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NEW JERSEY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
TITLE 1 3
LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY
CHAPTER 4 0
SUBCHAPTER 1 5
HOME INSPECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
[Home Inspection Advisory Committee] LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Chapter 40 Subchapter 15 Page 2 of 39 Last Revision Date: 4/20/15
TABLE O F CONTENTS
SUBCHAPTER 15. HOME INSPECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE …………… 3
13:40-15.1 PURPOSE; SCOPE; APPLICABILITY…………………………………………………………….. 3
13:40-15.2 DEFINITIONS……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
13:40-15.3 OFFICE OF THE COMMITTEE…………………………………………………………………………. 9
13:40-15.4 (RESERVED)………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9
13:40-15.5 (RESERVED)………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9
13:40-15.6 REQUIREMENTS FOR INITIAL LICENSURE AS HOME INSPECTOR ……….9
13:40‐15.7 CREDIT TOWARDS LICENSURE FOR EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND
EXPERIENCE RECEIVED WHILE SERVING AS A MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES……10
13:40-15.8 INSURANCE REQUIREMENT ………………………………………………………………………… 11
13:40-15.9 IDENTIFICATION CARDS……………………………………………………………………………….. 12
13:40-15.10 LICENSE RENEWAL……………………………………………………………………………………… 12
13:40-15.11 CHANGE OF LICENSE STATUS: INACTIVE TO ACTIVE …………………………13
13:40-15.12 REINSTATEMENT OF SUSPENDED LICENSE …………………………………………. 13
13:40-15.13 CHANGE OF ADDRESS PROVISION; SERVICE OF PROCESS …………….14
13:40-15.14 CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS…………………………………………… 15
13:40-15.15 PRE-INSPECTION AGREEMENTS ……………………………………………………………… 19
13:40-15.16 STANDARDS OF PRACTICE ……………………………………………………………………….. 20
13:40-15.17 MANDATORY TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT…………………………………………………… 30
13:40-15.18 ADVERTISING; IDENTIFICATION OF LICENSEE…………………………………….. 31
13:40-15.19 PROHIBITED PRACTICES …………………………………………………………………………… 33
13:40-15.20 SUSPENSION, REVOCATION OR REFUSAL TO RENEW LICENSE ……..35
13:40-15.21 REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE AS A HOME INSPECTOR BY
COMITY………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….37
13:40-15.22 INSPECTION SERVICES REQUIRING ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE,
EDUCATION, TRAINING, OR LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION ………………………………………. 37
13:40-15.23 FEE SCHEDULE…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 38
13:40-15.24 (RESERVED) ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 39
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Chapter 40 Subchapter 15 Page 3 of 39 Last Revision Date: 4/20/15
SUBCHAPTER 15.
HOME INSPECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
13:40-15.1 PURPOSE; SCOPE; APPLICABILITY
a) The purpose of the rules in this subchapter is to implement P.L. 1997, c.323 (N.J.S.A.
45:8-61 et seq.), the Home Inspection Professional Licensing Act.
b) This subchapter shall apply to all persons licensed as home inspectors by the State of
New Jersey and applicants for such licensure, performing home inspections of residential
buildings with four or fewer dwelling units and other related residential housing
components.
c) No person shall perform or hold oneself out as permitted to perform a home inspection
nor represent or call oneself a home inspector unless licensed pursuant to N.J.A.C.
13:40-15.6.
d) This subchapter shall not apply to:
1) Any person who is employed as a code enforcement official by the State or a political
subdivision thereof when acting within the scope of that government employment;
2) Any person licensed by the State as an architect, professional engineer, electrical
contractor or master plumber, who is acting within the scope of practice of his or her
profession or occupation;
3) Any real estate broker, broker-salesperson, or salesperson who is licensed by the
State when acting within the scope of his or her profession;
4) Any person regulated by the State as an insurance adjuster, who is acting within the
scope of his or her profession;
5) Any State licensed real estate appraiser or certified general or residential real estate
appraiser, who is acting within the scope of that profession;
6) Any person certified or registered as a pesticide applicator pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:30-
6 or 8, who is acting within the scope of the practice for which certification has been
issued;
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Chapter 40 Subchapter 15 Page 4 of 39 Last Revision Date: 4/20/15
7) Any person performing home inspections in the presence of and under the direct
supervision of a licensed home inspector for the purpose of meeting the training
requirements of N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.6(a)4.
13:40-15.2 DEFINITIONS
The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following
meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
“Accessible” means available for visual inspection without requiring the moving of personal
property, dismantling, destructive measures, or any action which will likely involve risk to
persons or property.
“Act” means the Home Inspection Professional Licensing Act, N.J.S.A. 45:8-61 et seq.
“Acting within the scope of practice of a profession or occupation” means performing those
specific duties for which certification, registration or licensure by a board, committee,
commission, or agency of the State or Federal government is necessary and has in fact been
granted to an individual.
“Additional inspection services” does not encompass repairs or improvements. “Additional
inspection services” means:
1) Tests performed by a home inspector which are not part of a home inspection but
which, in the opinion of the home inspector, are warranted or which the client
requests. Such tests include, but are not limited to, radon, asbestos, lead paint,
carbon monoxide or urea-formaldehyde testing. Such testing may be performed
providing the home inspector has the relevant experience, education, training and/or
licensing and/or certification to perform such additional tests as set forth in N.J.A.C.
13:40-15.22;
2) Inspecting systems and components which the home inspector is not required to, but
is not prohibited from, inspecting pursuant to the standards of practice, N.J.A.C.
13:40-15.16;
3) Inspecting systems and components which are not part of the home inspection but
which the home inspector may inspect if experienced, educated, trained, certified,
registered or licensed as set forth in N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.22; and
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Chapter 40 Subchapter 15 Page 5 of 39 Last Revision Date: 4/20/15
4) Engineering and architectural services which are necessitated as a result of a home
inspection.
“Additional inspection services” does not encompass repairs or improvements.
“Board” means the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
“Client” means any current or prospective homeowner who engages, or seeks to engage, the
services of a home inspector for the purpose of obtaining an inspection of and written report
regarding the condition of a residential building.
“Client’s representative” means an attorney at law of the State of New Jersey who has been
retained by the client and identified to the home inspector in writing. For the purposes of this
subchapter, a real estate broker or agent is not the client’s representative.
“Committee” means the Home Inspection Advisory Committee established pursuant to
N.J.S.A. 45:8-63.
“Component” means a part which, together with other parts, make up a system.
“Continuing education unit” means an hour of an educational activity in which a minimum of
50 minutes of the hour comprises active instruction or learning.
“Decorative” means ornamental and not required for the operation of the systems and
components of a residential building.
“Describe” means to report in writing a system or component by its type or other observed
significant characteristics to distinguish it from other systems or components.
“Direct supervision” means that a licensed home inspector is physically present at and
monitors the entire home inspection and prepares and signs the home inspection report.
“Exterior surfaces” means exterior cladding or siding, flashing, trim, eaves, soffits and/or
fascia.
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Chapter 40 Subchapter 15 Page 6 of 39 Last Revision Date: 4/20/15
“Functional drainage” means the drainage of a plumbing fixture sufficient to prevent fixture
overflow during normal usage.
“Functional water flow” means the delivery of a quantity of water at flow and pressure
sufficient to use a fixture for its intended purpose.
“Home inspection” means a visual, functional, non-invasive inspection conducted for a fee or
any other consideration and performed without moving personal property, furniture, equipment,
plants, soil, snow, ice, or debris, using the mandatory equipment and including the preparation
of a home inspection report of the readily-accessible elements of the following components of a
residential building: structural components, exterior components, roofing system, plumbing
system, electrical system, heating system, cooling system, interior components, insulation
components and ventilation system, fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances, or any other
related residential housing component as determined by the Board, in consultation with the
Committee, by rule, but excluding recreational facilities and outbuildings other than garages or
carports.
“Home inspection report” means a written report prepared for a fee or any other
consideration by a home inspector which:
1) Discloses those systems and components which are designated for inspection
pursuant to this subchapter and are present at the time of the inspection, as well as
those which are present at the time of the home inspection but are not inspected and
the reason(s) they are not inspected;
2) Describes systems and components as specified in this subchapter;
3) States what material defects are found in systems or components;
4) States the significance of findings; and
5) Provides recommendations regarding the need to repair, replace or monitor a system
or component, or to obtain examination and analysis by a qualified professional,
tradesman or service technician.
“Home inspection training report” means a written report prepared by a trainee pursuant to
N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.6(b), which:
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Chapter 40 Subchapter 15 Page 7 of 39 Last Revision Date: 4/20/15
1) Discloses those systems and components which are designated for inspection
pursuant to this subchapter and are present at the time of the inspection, as well as
those which are present at the time of the home inspection but are not inspected and
the reason(s) they are not inspected;
2) Describes systems and components as specified in the rules of this subchapter;
3) States what material defects are found in systems or components;
4) States the significance of findings; and
5) Provides recommendations as to the need to repair, replace or monitor a system or
component, or to obtain examination and analysis by a qualified professional,
tradesman or service technician.
“Home inspector” means any person licensed as a home inspector pursuant to N.J.S.A.
45:8-62 et seq. and this subchapter who practices as a home inspector and inspects the
condition of a residential building on behalf of a client for which the client is charged a fee.
“Inspect” means to visually examine any readily accessible system or component of a
building, including viewing the interior of readily openable access panels, and operating building
systems using normal operating controls in accordance with this subchapter.
“Installed” means affixed apparatus or component of a system that is permanently integrated
in a residential building.
“Licensee” means a home inspector licensed by the Committee and subject to this
subchapter.
“Material defect” means a condition, or functional aspect, of a structural component or
system that is readily ascertainable during a home inspection that substantially affects the value,
habitability or safety of the dwelling, but does not include decorative, stylistic, cosmetic, or
aesthetic aspects of the system, structure or component.
“Normal operating controls” means devices such as thermostats, switches or valves intended
to be operated by the homeowner in the ordinary use of a system component or appliance.
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Chapter 40 Subchapter 15 Page 8 of 39 Last Revision Date: 4/20/15
“Other related residential housing component” means an attached or detached garage or
carport unless that garage or carport contains a residence separate from the primary residential
building.
“Person” means any natural person, limited or general partnership, association, corporation,
or other legal entity, or any combination thereof.
“Readily openable access panel” means a panel provided for inspection and maintenance
that is within normal reach, can be removed by one person, and is not sealed in place.
“Recreational facilities” means spas, saunas, steam baths, swimming pools, exercise,
entertainment, athletic, playground or other similar equipment and associated accessories.
“Residential building” means a structure consisting of from one to four family dwelling units
and their garages or carports, unless such garage or carport contains a separate dwelling unit
but excluding the common elements and areas in multiple unit housing such as condominiums
and cooperative housing; that has been occupied as such prior to the time when a home
inspection is requested or contracted for in accordance with the Act and this subchapter, but
does not include any such structure newly constructed and not previously occupied.
“Significance of findings” means an explanation of the reason the home inspector reported
that a system or component designated for inspection pursuant to this subchapter contained a
material defect, for the purpose of advising the client of the need for appropriate action.
“Structural component” means an integral part of a residential building, including the
masonry structure and foundation that supports non-variable forces or weights, that is, dead
loads, and variable forces or weights, that is, live loads.
“System” means a combination of interacting or interdependent components, assembled to
carry out one or more functions.
“Trainee” means any person who performs a home inspection in the presence of and under
the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector pursuant to the provisions of N.J.A.C. 13:40-
15.6 and N.J.S.A. 45:8-68c(2).
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“Unsafe” means a condition of a readily accessible, installed component or system caused
by obsolescence, damage, deterioration, improper installation or inherent defects which presents
a significant risk of injury or property damage under normal, day-to-day operation.
“Under-floor crawl space” means the area within the confines of the foundation and between
the ground and the underside of the floor.
13:40-15.3 OFFICE OF THE COMMITTEE
The office of the Committee shall be maintained with the Board at 124 Halsey Street,
Newark, New Jersey. The mailing address of the Committee is PO Box 45043, Newark, New
Jersey 07101.
13:40-15.4 (RESERVED)
13:40-15.5 (RESERVED)
13:40-15.6 REQUIREMENTS FOR INITIAL LICENSURE AS HOME INSPECTOR
a) An applicant for licensure as a home inspector shall complete and submit to the
Committee an application that will require information that the applicant:
1) Is of good moral character;
2) Has successfully completed high school or its equivalent;
3) Has successfully completed an approved course of study of 180 hours, as prescribed
by the Board, after consultation with the New Jersey Department of Education, which
shall include not less than 40 hours of unpaid field-based inspections in the presence
of and under the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector. The inspections
shall be provided by the school administering the approved course of study; or
4) Has performed at least 250 home inspections as defined in N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.2 for
which the client was charged a fee. The inspections shall be performed in the
presence of and under the direct supervision of a New Jersey licensed home
inspector who possesses a current and active license, has performed at least 500
home inspections and has at least three years of experience. The inspector must
oversee and take full responsibility for the inspection and any report produced by
monitoring the progress of the trainee and ensuring compliance with the home
inspection training reports requirements;
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Chapter 40 Subchapter 15 Page 10 of 39 Last Revision Date: 4/20/15
5) Has submitted a list of the 250 inspections performed under (a)4 above, if an
applicant is seeking licensure under that paragraph;
6) Shall secure and maintain an errors and omissions insurance policy in the minimum
amount of $500,000 per occurrence;
7) Has passed the Home Inspector Examination, administered by the Examination
Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI); and
8) Pay an application fee as set forth in N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.23.
b) The Committee shall randomly audit applications to verify that applicants for licensure as
a home inspector under this section performed at least 250 home inspections as required
by (a)4 above. Applicants that are audited shall submit copies of home inspection reports
as requested by the Committee.
c) Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:1-21 and N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.20, the Committee may deny, refuse
to renew, temporarily suspend or revoke a license, or issue a civil penalty, upon proof
that an applicant has obtained a license through fraud, deception or misrepresentation.
13:40-15.7 CREDIT TOWARDS LICENSURE FOR EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND
EXPERIENCE RECEIVED WHILE SERVING AS A MEMBER OF THE ARMED
FORCES
a) An applicant who has served in the Armed Forces of the United States (Armed Forces) and who
does not meet all of the training, education, and experience requirements for licensure under
N.J.A.C. 13:40‐15.6, may apply to the Committee for recognition of the applicant’s training,
education, or experience received while serving as a member of the Armed Forces, which the
Committee shall consider, together with any training, education, and experience obtained
outside of the Armed Forces, for determining substantial equivalence to the training, education,
and experience required for licensure.
b) The Committee shall issue a license to the applicant, if the applicant presents evidence to the
Committee that:
1) The applicant has been honorably discharged from active military service;
2) The relevant training, experience, and education the applicant received in the military,
together with any training, education, and experience obtained outside of the Armed Forces, is
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substantially equivalent in scope and character to the training, experience, and education
required for licensure under N.J.A.C. 13:40‐15.6.
i) An applicant seeking credit for military training and experience shall submit to the
Committee the applicant’s Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET)
Document, DD Form 2586.
ii) An applicant seeking credit for education courses and/or training completed while in
the military that are not part of an approved course of study as described in N.J.A.C.
13:40‐15.6(a)3 shall submit to the Committee a Joint Services Transcript of his or her
education/training for a determination that the education courses and/or training
completed are substantially equivalent in level, scope, and intent to the course of study
required for licensure under N.J.A.C. 13:40‐15.6(a)3. For the purpose of determining
substantial equivalence of the applicant’s military education and/or training, the
Committee shall consider only those education courses and/or training relevant to the
practice of home inspection that have been evaluated by the American Council on
Education for substantial equivalence to civilian postsecondary curricula; and
3) The applicant complies with all other requirements for licensure, including successful
completion of the Home Inspector Examination, as set forth in N.J.A.C. 13:40‐15.6(a)7.
c) It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide timely and complete evidence of the education,
training, and experience gained in the military for review and consideration.
d) If the applicant’s military training, education and experience, or a portion thereof, is not
deemed to be substantially equivalent to that required for licensure, the Committee shall credit
whatever portion of the military training, education, and experience that is substantially
equivalent towards meeting the requirements under N.J.A.C. 13:40‐15.6 for the issuance of the
license.
e) Satisfactory evidence of such education, training, and experience shall be assessed on a case‐by‐
case basis.
13:40-15.8 INSURANCE REQUIREMENT
a) All licensed home inspectors engaged in the profession of home inspection shall
maintain an errors and omissions insurance policy in the minimum amount of $500,000
per occurrence and file proof of the policy with the Committee.
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b) Every proof of an errors and omissions policy required to be filed with the Committee
shall provide that cancellation or nonrenewal of the policy shall not be effective unless
and until the Committee has received at least 10 days written notice of intention to cancel
or nonrenewal.
c) Both the home inspector and the insurance company shall provide written notification to
the Committee at least 10 days prior to the discontinuation of the errors and omissions
policy.
13:40-15.9 IDENTIFICATION CARDS
a) All licensed home inspectors shall, during the performance of a home inspection, carry
an identification card issued by the Committee. The identification card shall contain the
name, photograph, license number and signature of the person to whom the identification
card has been issued.
b) Identification cards shall not be transferable. A duplicate identification card to replace
one lost or destroyed may be issued upon notice to the Committee and payment of a fee
as established by rule by the Division.
13:40-15.10 LICENSE RENEWAL
a) All licenses issued by the Committee shall be issued for a two year period. A licensee
who seeks renewal of the license shall submit a license renewal application and the
license renewal fee set forth in N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.23 to the Committee prior to the
expiration of the license.
b) Renewal applications shall provide the applicant with the option of either active or
inactive status. A licensee electing inactive status shall pay the inactive license fee as
set forth in N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.23 and shall not engage in the practice of home inspection.
c) If the licensee does not renew the license prior to its expiration date, the licensee may
renew it within 30 days of its expiration by submitting a renewal application, a license
renewal fee and a late fee, as set forth in N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.23.
d) A license that is not renewed within 30 days of its expiration shall be automatically
suspended. An individual who continues to practice with a suspended license shall be
deemed to be engaged in unlicensed practice.
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Chapter 40 Subchapter 15 Page 13 of 39 Last Revision Date: 4/20/15
13:40-15.11 CHANGE OF LICENSE STATUS: INACTIVE TO ACTIVE
a) A licensee, upon application to the Committee, may change from inactive to active status
upon payment of the renewal fee as set forth in N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.23 and submission of
evidence of having completed the following:
1) Forty units of Committee-approved continuing education within the two year period
preceding the application for reinstatement if the license has been inactive for a
period of two years or less;
2) Sixty units of Committee-approved continuing education within the three-year period
immediately preceding the application for reinstatement if the license has been
inactive for a period of more than two and less than five years; or
3) Twenty units of Committee-approved continuing education per year to a maximum of
120 units of Committee approved continuing education within the three-year period
immediately preceding the application for reinstatement if the license has been
inactive for a period of five or more years.
13:40-15.12 REINSTATEMENT OF SUSPENDED LICENSE
a) An individual whose license has been suspended for nonpayment of a biennial renewal
fee may be reinstated by the Committee, provided the applicant otherwise qualifies for
licensure pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:8-68 and N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.6, and submits one of the
following to the Board:
1) A certification or licensure in good standing from any other state or jurisdiction in
which the applicant has practiced as a home inspector during the period the license
was suspended in this State;
2) An affidavit by the applicant stating that he or she has practiced as a home inspector
in a state or jurisdiction which does not require certification or licensure, during the
period the license was suspended in this State; or
3) An affidavit stating that the applicant has not practiced as a home inspector in this or
any other jurisdiction during the period the license was suspended in this State.
b) An applicant who has practiced as a home inspector in the manner described in (a)1 or 2
above shall submit written verification, on a form provided by the Committee, from all of
the applicant’s employers. The verification shall document dates of employment from the
date the New Jersey license was suspended to the date of application for reinstatement,
and the name, address and telephone number of each employer.
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c) An applicant who has been practicing as a home inspector in any manner described in
(a)1 or 2 above during the period the license was suspended in this State shall submit
proof that he or she has completed a minimum of 40 Committee-approved continuing
education units pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.14 in the two-year period immediately prior
to application for reinstatement.
d) An applicant who has not practiced as a home inspector during the period the license
was suspended in this State shall meet the following requirements as a condition of
reinstatement:
1) An individual whose license has been suspended for a period of two years or less
shall complete 40 units of Committee-approved continuing education within the two
year period preceding reinstatement;
2) An individual whose license has been suspended for a period of more than two and
less than five years shall complete 60 units of Committee-approved continuing
education within the three-year period immediately preceding reinstatement; or
3) An individual whose license has been suspended for a period of five or more years
shall complete 20 units of Committee-approved continuing education per year to a
maximum of 120 units of Committee-approved continuing education within the threeyear
period immediately preceding reinstatement and take and pass the Home
Inspector Examination administered by the Examination Board of Professional Home
Inspectors (EBPHI) prior to reinstatement.
e) Prior to reinstatement, an applicant shall pay a reinstatement fee and all past delinquent
biennial renewal fees pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.23.
13:40-15.13 CHANGE OF ADDRESS PROVISION; SERVICE OF PROCESS
a) A licensed home inspector shall notify the Committee in writing of any change of address
from that registered with the Committee and shown on the most recently issued
certificate. Such notice shall be sent to the Committee by certified mail, return receipt
requested, not later than 30 days following the change of address. Failure to notify the
Board of any change of address may result in disciplinary action in accordance with
N.J.S.A. 45:1-21(h).
b) Service of an administrative complaint or other Committee-initiated action at a licensee’s
address which is on file with the Committee shall be deemed adequate notice for the
purposes of N.J.A.C. 1:1-7.1 and the commencement of any disciplinary proceedings.
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c) A license shall, within 30 days of receiving notice of disciplinary action taken against the
licensee in any state, territory or jurisdiction, report to the Committee in writing of such
notification and provide a copy of the notification and the underlying documentation of
the disciplinary action.
13:40-15.14 CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
a) The Committee shall not issue a license renewal unless the applicant attests, when
submitting the renewal application sent by the Committee, that he or she has completed
courses of continuing professional education of the types and number of units specified
in (b), (c) and (d) below. Falsification of any information submitted with the renewal
application may result in penalties and/or suspension of the license pursuant to N.J.S.A.
45:1-21 through 25 and N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.20.
b) Continuing education unit requirements for biennial license renewal are as follows:
1) Each home inspector shall be required to complete during the preceding biennial
period a minimum of 40 units of continuing education in courses and programs as
provided in (c) and (d) below. Beginning with the 2011 biennial period, each home
inspector shall complete a minimum of three units on report writing, three units on
ethics and three units on the rules governing the practice of home inspection, as part
of the required 40 units of continuing education.
2) Persons receiving initial licensure as home inspectors shall complete continuing
education requirements prorated as follows:
i) Any person receiving initial licensure as a home inspector in the first year of a
biennial registration period shall complete a minimum of 40 continuing education
units before the end of that biennial registration period; and
ii) Any person receiving initial licensure as a home inspector in the second year of a
biennial registration period shall complete a minimum of 20 continuing education
units before the end of that biennial registration period.
3) A licensee who completes more than the minimum continuing education units, as set
forth in (b)1 above, in any biennial registration period may carry over no more than
10 of the additional units into the succeeding biennial period, but only if the units
were earned in the last six months of the preceding biennial period.
4) Any continuing education units completed by the licensee in compliance with an
order or directive from the Committee as set forth in (h) below may not be used to
satisfy the minimum continuing education requirements as set forth in this section.
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5) A licensee on inactive status who seeks to reactivate his or her license shall submit
to the Committee proof of successful completion of continuing education units as set
forth in N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.10(a), (b) and (c) above, as applicable.
c) A licensee may obtain continuing education units from the following:
1) Successful completion of continuing education courses or programs approved by the
Committee pursuant to (g) below. The Committee shall maintain a list of all approved
programs, courses and lecturers at the Board office and shall furnish this information
to licensees upon request;
2) Participation in instructional activities such as developing curriculum for a new
program or course and/or teaching a new program or course, provided the program
or course is directly related to the practice of home inspection in the State of New
Jersey. “New” means that the licensee has never taught or developed curriculum for
that course or program in any educational setting;
3) Authorship of a textbook or manual directly related to the practice of home inspection
in the State of New Jersey, provided the textbook or manual, as published, is at least
7,500 words in length;
4) Authorship of a published article related to the practice of home inspection in the
State of New Jersey, provided the article, as published, is at least 250 words in
length; and
5) Direct supervision of trainees during home inspections used for training purposes. To
qualify for continuing education credit, a home inspection used for training purposes
shall require at least one hour to complete and shall not be attended by more than
one trainee.
d) Credit for continuing education shall be granted as follows for each biennial registration
period:
1) Attendance at continuing education programs approved by the Committee: one unit
for each hour of attendance at an approved course. Credit shall not be granted for
courses that are less than one instructional hour long. Completion of an entire course
or segment of course instruction shall be required in order to receive any continuing
education units;
2) Attendance at courses approved by the Committee: one unit for each hour of
attendance at an approved course. Credit shall not be granted for courses that are
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less than one instructional hour long. Completion of an entire course or segment of
course instruction is required in order to receive any continuing education units;
3) Successful completion of correspondence, Internet or other distance learning courses
approved by the Committee: one continuing education unit per hour of course
instruction as determined by the Committee to a maximum of 20 units per biennial
registration period;
4) Participation in instructional activities pursuant to (c)2 above: one continuing
education unit per hour of program or course instruction to a maximum of 16 units per
biennial registration period;
5) Authorship of a textbook or manual pursuant to (c)3 above: 10 continuing education
units per textbook or manual to a maximum of 10 units per biennial registration
period;
6) Authorship of a published article pursuant to (c)4 above: one continuing education
unit per published article to a maximum of 10 units per biennial registration period;
and
7) Direct supervision of trainees during training home inspections pursuant to (c)5
above: one continuing education unit per home inspection used for training purposes
to a maximum of 16 units per biennial registration period.
e) The Committee shall perform audits of randomly selected licensees to determine
compliance with continuing education requirements. A licensee shall maintain the
following documentation for a period of five years after completion of the continuing
education units and shall submit such documentation to the Committee upon request:
1) Certificate of completion from sponsor—for attendance at courses or programs
approved by the Committee;
2) The published item—for publication of manual, textbook, or article;
3) Documentation, including copy of curriculum, location, date and time of course,
duration of course by hour, and letter from sponsor, confirming that the licensee
developed or taught the course or program—for developing curriculum or teaching a
course or program, including those for realtors and/or civic groups; and
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4) Documentation, including the location, date and time, duration, a list of participants,
and copies of all completed home inspection training reports—for each training home
inspection directly supervised by the licensee.
f) Waiver, extension or other modification of the continuing education requirements may be
granted as follows:
1) The Committee upon receipt of a request for waiver, extension or other modification
received at least 90 days prior to license renewal, may waive, extend or otherwise
modify the continuing education requirements of this section on an individual basis
for reasons of hardship, such as severe illness, disability, or military service; and
2) A licensee seeking a waiver, extension or other modification of the continuing
education requirements shall apply to the Committee in writing which must be
received at least 90 days prior to license renewal and set forth in specific detail the
reasons for the request. The licensee shall provide the Committee with such
supplemental materials as will support the request.
g) All sponsors of continuing education courses or programs shall:
1) Obtain Committee approval prior to representing that any course, seminar, or
program fulfills the requirements of this section;
2) Submit for evaluation by the Committee, the following for each course, seminar or
program offered:
i) A detailed description of course content and estimated hours of instruction; and
ii) The curriculum vitae of each lecturer, including specific background which
qualifies the individual as a lecturer of repute in the area of instruction;
3) Monitor the attendance at each approved course, seminar or program and furnish to
each enrollee a verification of attendance, which shall include at least the following
information:
i) The title, date and location of course, seminar or program offering;
ii) The name and license number of attendee;
iii) The number of hours attended; and
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iv) The name and signature of officer or responsible party;
4) Solicit course, seminar or program evaluations from both the participants and the
instructors; and
5) Submit a fee pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.23 for each biennial period during which
a course(s), seminar(s) or programs is offered.
h) The Committee shall approve only such continuing education courses and programs as
are available and advertised on a reasonable nondiscriminatory basis to all persons
practicing home inspecting in the State and are directly related to the practice of home
inspection in the State of New Jersey.
i) The Committee may direct or order a licensee to complete continuing education units:
1) As part of a disciplinary or remedial measure; or
2) To correct a deficiency in the licensee’s continuing education requirements.
13:40-15.15 PRE-INSPECTION AGREEMENTS
a) A home inspector shall send a pre-inspection agreement to a client or client’s
representative, by mail, facsimile, email or other means of delivery, no later than one
business day after the appointment for the home inspection is made. The pre-inspection
agreement shall be executed prior to the start of the home inspection. The pre-inspection
agreement shall contain, at a minimum, the following information:
1) The price of the home inspection;
2) A description of the systems and components which will be inspected as part of the
home inspection as required pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.16;
3) A description of that which is not required as part of the home inspection pursuant to
this subchapter;
4) The full name and address of the client;
5) The address of the home to be inspected;
6) The date and time of the home inspection;
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7) A statement that home inspectors are governed by the rules in the New Jersey
Administrative Code contained at N.J.A.C. 13:40-15 and that the licensee shall
comply with these rules and failure to comply with the rules may subject the licensee
to discipline; and
8) A description of any additional inspection service(s), as defined in N.J.A.C. 13:40-
15.2, for which the client is charged an additional fee(s) which are not part of the
home inspection but may be performed pursuant to this subchapter.
b) The pre-inspection agreement shall indicate whether any systems or components are
excluded from the home inspection at the request of the client.
c) The pre-inspection agreement shall indicate whether the home inspector will return at a
later date to inspect any systems or components that are not inspected because of
unforeseen circumstances or weather conditions at the initial home inspection and
whether any additional fee will be charged for such subsequent inspection, and the
amount of such fee, if any.
d) A pre-inspection agreement shall be retained for a period of five years following the
completion of the pre-inspection agreement.
13:40-15.16 STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
a) All home inspectors shall comply with the standards of practice contained in this section
when conducting home inspections. The scope of home inspection services performed in
compliance with the requirements set forth in this section shall provide the client with
objective information regarding the condition of the systems and components of the
home as determined at the time of the home inspection.
b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a home inspector to:
1) Enter any area or perform any procedure which is, in the opinion of the home
inspector, unsafe and likely to be dangerous to the inspector or other persons;
2) Enter any area or perform any procedure which will, in the opinion of the home
inspector, likely damage the property or its systems or components;
3) Enter any area which does not have at least 24 inches of unobstructed vertical
clearance and at least 30 inches of unobstructed horizontal clearance;
4) Identify concealed conditions and latent defects;
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5) Determine life expectancy of any system or component;
6) Determine the cause of any condition or deficiency;
7) Determine future conditions that may occur including the failure of systems and
components including consequential damage;
8) Determine the operating costs of systems or components;
9) Determine the suitability of the property for any specialized use;
10) Determine compliance with codes, regulations and/ or ordinances;
11) Determine market value of the property or its marketability;
12) Determine advisability of purchase of the property;
13) Determine the presence of any potentially hazardous plants, animals or diseases or
the presence of any suspected hazardous substances or adverse conditions such as
mold, fungus, toxins, carcinogens, noise, and contaminants in soil, water, and air;
14) Determine the effectiveness of any system installed or method utilized to control or
remove suspected hazardous substances;
15) Operate any system or component which is shut down or otherwise inoperable;
16) Operate any system or component which does not respond to normal operating
controls;
17) Operate shut-off valves;
18) Determine whether water supply and waste disposal systems are public or private;
19) Insert any tool, probe or testing device inside electrical panels;
20) Dismantle any electrical device or control other than to remove the covers of main
and sub panels;
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21) Walk on unfloored sections of attics; and
22) Light pilot flames or ignite or extinguish fires.
c) Home inspectors shall:
1) Inspect the following systems and components in residential buildings and other
related residential housing components:
i) Structural components as required by (e) below;
ii) Exterior components as required by (f) below;
iii) Roofing system components as required by (g) below;
iv) Plumbing system components as required by (h) below;
v) Electrical system components as required by (i) below;
vi) Heating system components as required by (j) below;
vii) Cooling system components as required by (k) below;
viii) Interior components as required by (l) below;
ix) Insulation components and ventilation system as required by (m) below; and
x) Fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances as required by (n) below;
2) Prepare a home inspection report which shall:
i) Disclose those systems and components as set forth in (c)1 above which were
present at the time of inspection;
ii) Disclose systems and components as set forth in (c)1 above which were present
at the time of the home inspection but were not inspected, and the reason(s) they
were not inspected;
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iii) Describe the systems and components specified in these standards of practice;
iv) State material defects found in systems or components;
v) State the significance of findings where any material defects in the systems and
components of (c)1 above were found; and
vi) Provide recommendations where material defects were found to repair, replace or
monitor a system or component or to obtain examination and analysis by a
qualified professional, tradesman, or service technician without determining the
methods, materials or cost of corrections; and
3) Retain copies of all home inspection reports prepared pursuant to (c)2 above, for a
period of five years upon completion of the report;
d) Subsection (c) above is not intended to limit home inspectors from:
1) Inspecting or reporting observations and conditions observed in systems and
components in addition to those required in (c)1 above and inspecting systems and
components other than those mandated for inspection in (c)1 above as long as the
inspection and reporting is based on the licensee’s professional opinion, prior work
experience, education and training, unless these standards of practice prohibit the
home inspector from inspecting such system or component;
2) Contracting with the client to provide, for an additional fee additional inspection
services provided the home inspector is educated, trained, certified, registered or
licensed, pursuant to the provisions of N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.22 and other applicable
statutes and rules; and
3) Excluding systems and components from the inspection if requested in writing by the
client.
e) When conducting the inspection of the structural components, the home inspector shall:
1) Inspect:
i) Foundation;
ii) Floors;
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iii) Walls;
iv) Ceilings; and
v) Roof;
2) Describe:
i) Foundation construction type and material;
ii) Floor construction type and material;
iii) Wall construction type and material;
iv) Ceiling construction type and material; and
v) Roof construction type and material;
3) Probe structural components where deterioration is suspected unless such probing
would damage any finished surface; and
4) Describe in the home inspection report the methods used to inspect under-floor crawl
spaces and attics.
f) When conducting the inspection of the exterior components, a home inspector shall:
1) Inspect:
i) Exterior surfaces, excluding shutters, and screening, awnings, and other similar
seasonal accessories;
ii) Exterior doors excluding storm doors or safety glazing;
iii) Windows excluding storm windows and safety glazing;
iv) Attached or adjacent decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and their railings;
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v) Vegetation, grading, drainage, and retaining walls with respect to their immediate
detrimental effect on the condition of the residential building, excluding fences,
geological and/or soil conditions, sea walls, break-walls, bulkheads and docks, or
erosion control and earth stabilization;
vi) Attached or adjacent walkways, patios, and driveways; and
vii) Garage doors including automatic door openers and entrapment protection
mechanisms, excluding remote control devices; and
2) Describe exterior wall surface type and material.
g) When inspecting the roof of a residential building, the home inspector shall:
1) Inspect:
i) Roofing surface, excluding antennae and other installed accessories such as
solar heating systems, lightning arresters, and satellite dishes;
ii) Roof drainage systems;
iii) Flashing;
iv) Skylights; and
v) Exterior of chimneys;
2) Describe:
i) Roof surface;
ii) Roof drainage systems;
iii) Flashing;
iv) Skylights; and
v) Chimneys;
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3) Employ reasonable, practicable and safe methods to inspect the roof such as:
i) Walking on the roof;
ii) Observation from a ladder at roof level; or
iii) Visual examination with binoculars from ground level; and
4) Describe the methods used to inspect the roof.
h) When inspecting the plumbing system, a home inspector shall:
1) Inspect:
i) Interior water supply and distribution systems including functional water flow and
functional drainage, excluding wells, well pumps, well water sampling or water
storage related equipment, determination of water supply quantity or quality and
water conditioning systems and lawn irrigation systems;
ii) All interior fixtures and faucets, excluding shut off valves, wells, well pumps, well
water sampling and water storage related equipment;
iii) Drain, waste and vent systems;
iv) Domestic water heating systems, without operating safety valves or automatic
safety controls, and excluding solar water heating systems;
v) Combustion vent systems excluding interiors of flues and chimneys;
vi) Fuel distribution systems; and
vii) Drainage sumps, sump pumps and related piping; and
2) Describe:
i) Predominant interior water supply and distribution piping materials;
ii) Predominant drain, waste and vent piping materials; and
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iii) Water heating equipment including energy sources.
i) When inspecting the electrical system, a home inspector shall:
1) Inspect:
i) Service entrance system;
ii) Main disconnects, main panel and sub panels, including interior components of
main panel and sub panels;
iii) Service grounding;
iv) Wiring, without measuring amperage, voltage or impedance, excluding any wiring
not a part of the primary electrical power distribution system, such as central
vacuum systems, remote control devices, telephone or cable system wiring,
intercom systems, security systems and low voltage wiring systems;
v) Over-current protection devices and the compatibility of their ampacity with that of
the connected wiring;
vi) At least one of each interior installed lighting fixture, switch, and receptacle per
room and at least one exterior installed lighting fixture, switch, and receptacle per
side of house; and
vii) Ground fault circuit interrupters; and
2) Describe:
i) Amperage and voltage rating of the service;
ii) Location of main disconnect, main panels, and sub-panels;
iii) Type of over-current protection devices;
iv) Predominant type of wiring;
v) Presence of knob and tube branch circuit wiring; and
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vi) Presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring.
j) When inspecting the heating system, a home inspector shall:
1) Inspect:
i) Installed heating equipment and energy sources, without determining heat supply
adequacy or distribution balance, and without operating automatic safety controls
or operating heat pumps when weather conditions or other circumstances may
cause damage to the pumps, and excluding humidifiers, electronic air filters and
solar heating systems;
ii) Combustion vent systems and chimneys, excluding interiors of flues or chimneys;
iii) Fuel storage tanks, excluding propane and underground storage tanks; and
iv) Visible and accessible portions of the heat exchanger; and
2) Describe:
i) Heating equipment and distribution type; and
ii) Energy sources.
k) When inspecting the cooling system, a home inspector shall:
1) Inspect:
i) Central cooling system, excluding electronic air filters and excluding
determination of cooling supply adequacy or distribution balance and without
operating central cooling equipment when weather conditions or other
circumstances may cause damage to the cooling equipment;
ii) Permanently installed hard-wired, through-wall individual cooling systems; and
iii) Energy sources; and
2) Describe:
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i) Cooling equipment and distribution type; and
ii) Energy sources.
l) When inspecting the interior of a residential building, a home inspector shall:
1) Inspect:
i) Walls, ceilings, and floors excluding paint, wallpaper and other finish treatments,
carpeting and other non-permanent floor coverings;
ii) Steps, stairways, and railings;
iii) Installed kitchen wall cabinets to determine if secure;
iv) At least one interior passage door and operate one window per room excluding
window treatments; and
v) Household appliances limited to:
(1) The kitchen range and oven to determine operation of burners or heating
elements excluding microwave ovens and the operation of self-cleaning
cycles and appliance timers and thermostats;
(2) Dishwasher to determine water supply and drainage; and
(3) Garbage disposer.
m) When inspecting the insulation components and ventilation system of a residential
building, the home inspector shall:
1) Inspect:
i) Insulation in unfinished spaces without disturbing insulation;
ii) Ventilation of attics and crawlspaces; and
iii) Mechanical ventilation systems; and
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2) Describe:
i) Insulation in unfinished spaces adjacent to heated areas; and
ii) Evidence of inadequate attic and crawlspace ventilation.
n) When inspecting fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances, a home inspector shall:
1) Inspect:
i) Fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances, without testing draft characteristics,
excluding fire screens and doors, seals and gaskets, automatic fuel feed devices,
mantles and non-structural fireplace surrounds, combustion make-up air devices,
or gravity fed and fan assisted heat distribution systems; and
ii) Chimneys and combustion vents excluding interiors of flues and chimneys; and
2) Describe:
i) Type of fireplaces and/or solid fuel burning appliances;
ii) Energy source; and
iii) Visible evidence of improper draft characteristics.
13:40-15.17 MANDATORY TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
a) All home inspectors shall, during the performance of a home inspection, be equipped
with the following minimum tools and equipment:
1) A ladder, minimum 11 feet in length;
2) A flashlight, or another equivalent light source, with a minimum 15,000 candlepower
illumination;
3) A flame inspection mirror;
4) An electrical outlet tester with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) test ability;
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5) Tools necessary to remove common fasteners on covers or panels which are
required to be removed pursuant to this subchapter.
6) A measuring tape;
7) A probe;
8) Thermometers for testing air conditioning;
9) Binoculars with a magnification between 8X42 and 10X50;
10) A moisture meter;
11) Combustible gas leak detection equipment; and
12) A voltage detector.
b) This section is not intended to establish an exclusive list of tools and equipment to be
used during the performance of a home inspection. A home inspector may utilize any
other tools or equipment which in the licensee’s professional judgment believes is
necessary to adequately perform a home inspection.
13:40-15.18 ADVERTISING; IDENTIFICATION OF LICENSEE
a) The following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following
meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
“Advertisement” or “advertising” means an attempt, either directly or indirectly, by
publication, dissemination, solicitation, endorsement or circulation in print or electronic
media to induce a person to enter into an agreement to accept home inspection services.
“Electronic media” includes, but is not limited to, radio, television, telephone, facsimile
machine, computer, and the Internet.
“Print media” means newspapers, magazines, periodicals, professional journals,
telephone directories, circulars, handbills, fliers or other publications, the content of which is
disseminated by means of the printed word.
b) All radio and television advertising by a home inspector shall include the name and
license number of the home inspector.
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c) All advertising by a home inspector, other than the advertising referred to in (b) above,
shall include:
1) The name of the home inspector;
2) The words “Home Inspector License Number” or “Home Inspector Lic. #,” followed by
the license number of the home inspector, which may be either the entire “GI”
number (for example, 24GI000xxx00 or 24GI00XXXX00) or “GI” followed by the
licensee’s three- or four-digit license number (for example, GIxxx or GIxxxx); and
3) The business address of the home inspector, including the street name and number.
Post office box numbers shall not be used as a form of business address.
d) All advertising records shall be retained for a period of one year from the date of the
advertisement.
e) A home inspector whose name, business address, or license number appears or is
mentioned in any advertisement shall be presumed to have caused, permitted or
approved the advertising and shall be personally responsible for its content.
f) All commercial vehicles used by a home inspector shall be marked on both sides with the
following information:
1) The name of the home inspector in lettering at least one inch in height;
2) The words “Home Inspector License Number” or “Home Inspector Lic. #,” followed by
the license number of the home inspector, which may be either the entire “GI”
number (for example, 24GI000xxx00 or 24GI00XXXX00) or “GI” followed by the
licensee’s three- or four-digit license number (for example, GIxxx or GIxxxx) in
lettering at least one inch in height; and
3) The name of the owner or the lessee of the vehicle and the municipality from which
the licensee practices or where the licensee has a principal office in lettering at least
three inches in height.
i) Where available space for lettering is limited, either by design of the vehicle or by
the presence of other legally specified identification markings, making strict
compliance with (f)3 above impractical, the size of the lettering shall be as close
to three inches high as is possible within the limited space, provided the
information required is clearly visible and readily identifiable.
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g) All business correspondence and stationery, such as letterhead, business cards, preinspection
agreements and home inspection reports, of a home inspector shall display:
1) The name of the home inspector;
2) The words “Home Inspector License Number” or “Home Inspector Lic. #,” followed by
the license number of the home inspector, which may be either the entire “GI”
number (for example, 24GI000xxx00 or 24GI00XXXX00) or “GI” followed by the
licensee’s three- or four-digit license number (for example, GIxxx or GIxxxx); and
3) The business address of the home inspector, including the street name and number,
of the home inspector. Post office box numbers shall not be used as a form of
business address.
13:40-15.19 PROHIBITED PRACTICES
a) It is a prohibited practice for a home inspector to do any of the following:
1) Perform or offer to perform, for an additional fee, any repairs to a structure on which
the licensee or the licensee’s company, has prepared a home inspection report;
2) Inspect for a fee any property in which the licensee, or the licensee’s company, has
any financial interest or any interest in the transfer of the property;
3) Offer or deliver any compensation, inducement, or reward to the owner of the
inspected property, the broker, the agent or the client’s representative, for the referral
of any business to the licensee or the licensee’s company;
4) Offer or deliver any compensation, inducement, or reward to the client, the broker,
the agent or the client’s representative or homeowner, on behalf of a person or
business entity;
5) Accept an engagement to perform an inspection or prepare a home inspection report
in which the employment itself or the fee payable for the inspection is contingent
upon the conclusions of the report, pre-established findings, or the close of title;
6) Provide a copy of the home inspection report or disclose any information concerning
the results of the inspection without the written approval of the client or the client’s
representative except when the home inspector discovers a health or safety condition
that would not be readily detectable by the occupant or homeowner and which poses
an imminent risk of injury;
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7) Accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one interested party for
the same home inspection;
8) Accept or offer commissions or allowances, directly or indirectly, from other parties
dealing with the client in connection with work for which the licensee is responsible;
9) Accept commissions from any other trade or profession for information concerning
the condition of the property which is the subject of the home inspection;
10) Fail to promptly disclose to the client information about any business interest of the
licensee which may affect the client in connection with the home inspection;
11) Allow an interest the licensee may have in any business to affect the quality of a
home inspection;
12) Use a home inspection as a means to obtain work in another field which is not an
additional inspection service as defined by N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.2;
13) Engage in the use of advertising which contains any statement, claim or format which
is false, fraudulent, misleading or deceptive;
14) Engage in advertising which promotes a professional service which is beyond the
licensee’s ability or authority to perform;
15) Perform or represent that a licensee can perform a professional service which is
beyond the licensee’s ability or authority to perform;
16) Perform, or offer to perform engineering or architectural services unless appropriately
qualified pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:3-1 et seq., N.J.S.A. 45:8-27 et seq., and other
applicable laws and rules;
17) Fail to inspect the systems and components required by the standards of practice as
set forth in N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.16 without the written consent of the client;
18) Employ any person as a home inspector who is not licensed as a home inspector;
19) Practice as a home inspector without a license, with a suspended license or during
inactive status;
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20) Perform any act or omission involving dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation with
the intent to benefit a licensee or other person or with the intent to substantially injure
another person;
21) Perform any act or omission involving dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation in the
performance of a home inspection or preparation of a home inspection report;
22) Pay a finder’s fee or referral fee to any person in connection with a home inspection;
or
23) Fail or refuse, without good cause, to exercise diligence in preparing a home
inspection report, delivering a report to the client, or responding to an inquiry from the
client.
b) Engaging in any of the prohibited practices delineated in (a) above shall be considered
professional or occupational misconduct within the meaning of N.J.S.A. 45:1-21(e) and
may subject the licensee to the disciplinary provisions of N.J.A.C. 13:40-15.20.
13:40-15.20 SUSPENSION, REVOCATION OR REFUSAL TO RENEW LICENSE
a) The Committee may, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:1-21 and this subchapter, deny, refuse to
renew, or temporarily suspend or revoke a license, or issue a civil penalty, upon proof
that an applicant or licensee:
1) Has obtained a license or license renewal through fraud, deception, or
misrepresentation;
2) Has engaged in dishonesty, fraud, deception, misrepresentation, false promise, or
false pretense;
3) Has engaged in gross negligence, gross malpractice or gross incompetence which
damaged or endangered the life, health, welfare, safety or property of any person;
4) Has engaged in repeated acts of negligence, malpractice or incompetence;
5) Has engaged in professional or occupational misconduct as outlined in N.J.A.C.
13:40-15.18 and 15.19;
6) Has been convicted of, or engaged in acts constituting, any crime or offense involving
moral turpitude or relating adversely to the activity regulated by the home inspection
Committee. For the purpose of this subsection a judgment of conviction or a plea of
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guilty, non vult, nolo contendere or any other such disposition of alleged criminal
activity shall be deemed a conviction;
7) Has had the authority to engage in home inspections revoked or suspended by any
other state, agency or authority for reasons consistent with this section;
8) Has violated or failed to comply with the provisions of any law or regulation
administered by the Committee;
9) Has permitted an unlicensed person or entity to perform an act for which a license or
certificate of registration or certification is required by the board, or aided and abetted
an unlicensed person or entity in performing such an act;
10) Has failed to report any violations of the Act and this subchapter by other licensees to
the Committee;
11) Is incapable, for medical or other good cause, of discharging the functions of a
licensee in a manner consistent with the public’s health, safety and welfare;
12) Has violated any insurance fraud prevention law or act of another jurisdiction or has
been adjudicated, in civil or administrative proceedings, of a violation of the law as
set forth in this section, or has been subject to a final order, entered in civil or
administrative proceedings, that imposed civil penalties under that act against the
applicant or holder;
13) Is presently engaged in drug or alcohol use that is likely to impair the ability to
practice the profession or occupation with reasonable skill and safety. For purposes
of this subsection, the term “presently” means at this time or any time within the
previous 365 days; or
14) Advertised fraudulently in any manner.
b) In addition to the actions listed in (a) above, the Committee may impose additional or
alternative penalties pursuant to N.J.S.A. 45:1-22 and 25 for violations of any provision
of this subchapter.
c) The Committee may order a licensed home inspector to complete continuing education
units as all or part of the civil penalty imposed for disciplinary measures.
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d) The denial, refusal to renew, or temporary suspension or revocation of a license, and/or
the issuance of a civil penalty under this section, may be ordered by a decision of a
majority of the Committee after an opportunity to be heard.
e) The licensee may apply to the Committee for reinstatement of a revoked license after the
revocation has been in effect for at least one year. The reinstatement shall be granted
upon an affirmative vote by a majority of the Committee.
13:40-15.21 REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE AS A HOME INSPECTOR BY
COMITY
a) Any person with a valid registration, certification, or license issued by another state or
possession of the United States or the District of Columbia may, upon the submission of
an application provided by the Committee and payment of the fee in N.J.A.C. 13:40-
15.23, be issued a license as a home inspector, provided that:
1) The education, training, and examination requirements in such other jurisdiction are
substantially equivalent to those required by the Committee at the time of application;
2) The prior State licenses relied upon must be current, active, and in good standing;
and
3) The person secures and maintains an errors and omissions insurance policy, in the
minimum amount of $500,000 per occurrence.
13:40-15.22 INSPECTION SERVICES REQUIRING ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE,
EDUCATION, TRAINING, OR LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION
a) A licensed home inspector may perform the following additional inspection services if the
licensee has the experience, education, training, license or certification indicated:
1) Wells, well pumps, well water sampling or water storage related equipment:
experience, education, training;
2) Private waste disposal systems including on-site individual waste disposal systems
septic systems and/or cesspools: license from Board of Professional Engineers or
registered as an environmental health specialist;
3) Installed or free-standing warning devices including, carbon monoxide detectors, flue
gas and other spillage detectors: experience, education, training;
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4) Fire alarm systems, smoke detection systems, burglar alarm and security equipment:
license from the Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Committee;
5) Presence of rodents, pests and/or insects of any kind: experience, education,
training;
6) Presence of asbestos: license from Environmental Protection Agency;
7) Presence of lead paint: license from the Department of Health and Senior Services;
8) Presence of radon: license from the Department of Environmental Protection;
9) Presence of hazardous waste: experience, education, training; or
10) Inspections requiring specialized training or certification by a board, committee,
commission or other agency of the State.