On January 30, 2009, the government announced that BC would become the first province to require home inspectors to obtain a licence to better protect buyers and to ensure that home inspectors are qualified to make professional assessments. The regulation requires home inspectors to be a member of a recognized association. To further strengthen professional credibility and enhance consumer protection, Consumer Protection BC also requires all home inspectors to carry errors omission insurance in addition to general liability insurance in order to obtain a licence.

Licensees who violate the regulations are subject to penalties ranging from having conditions imposed on their licensing to paying monetary penalties of up to $5,000.

Realtors should:

• be aware that home inspectors are required to be licensed by Consumer Protection BC as of March 31, 2009;
• be aware that home inspectors are now required to meet the training standards of one of the designated associations;
• encourage consumers to check the Consumer Protection BC licensee search to determine if a home inspector is licensed;
• encourage consumers to ask to see the Consumer Protection BC wallet-sized licence issued to home inspectors before signing a contract for a home inspection; and
• contact Consumer Protection BC regarding any inquiries or complaints at 1 888 564-9963.

Realtors should not:

• request information about the contents of a home inspection report, as it is against the law for home inspectors to disclose the contents except: (a) with permission from the consumer; (b) as required by law; or (c) if, in the opinion of the licensee, the property poses a serious health or safety risk; and
• make a referral to a home inspector if there is a conflict of interest regarding a home inspection that results in a material gain for the home inspector.

To obtain additional information about the regulation or to ensure a home inspector is licensed by Consumer Protection BC, click licensee search or contact the Inquiry Unit at 1 888 564-9963 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .