Deadline Approaching for Home Inspector Licensing

BALTIMORE (10/1/2007) - Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Secretary Thomas E. Perez today announced all home inspectors must be licensed by January 1, 2008 to do business in Maryland.

A total of 470 people have submitted applications for licenses with 1,200 expected to be issued licenses by December 31, 2007. To date:

• 224 have been issued Home Inspector Licenses
• 246 have been approved but are pending processing

The new licensing program was created to ensure more consumer protection, and is regulated by DLLR's Maryland Real Estate Appraiser and Home Inspector Commission.

"The hiring of a licensed home inspector validates the competency of the inspector, and at the same time, establishes a complaint process for the homeowner," said Commissioner of Occupational & Professional Licensing Stanley J. Botts.

The requirements for the new license include:

• Completion of an approved minimum 48-hour education program
• A high school diploma or equivalent certification
• Proof of $50,000 or more of general liability insurance

The cost of a home inspector license is $400.00 (renewable every two years) and a one time $50.00 charge for the application fee.

"Operating without a valid Maryland Home Inspection license after January 1, 2008 is illegal," said Executive Director of the Maryland Real Estate Appraiser and Home Inspector Commission Elwood Mosley. "Violators will face civil or criminal penalties, a possible jail sentence and/or a $5,000 penalty."

For more information, go to the Maryland Real Estate Appraiser and Home Inspector Commission home page.

Updated July 30, 2009