Q. What happens if I'm not able to inspect a required system or component such as the roof, the attic or the crawlspace?
A. The inspector can depart from the inspection, however the inspector must comply with the departure provision as outlined in TREC Rule 535.227(f):
An inspector may depart from the inspection of a component or system required by the standards of practice only if:
the inspector and client agree the item is not to be inspected
the inspector is not qualified to inspect the item
in the reasonable judgment of the inspector, the inspector determines that:
conditions exist that prevent inspection of an item
conditions/materials are hazardous to the health/safety of the inspector
the actions of the inspector may cause damage to the property
the item is a common element of a multi-family development and is not in physical contact with the unit being inspected, such as the foundation under another building or a part of the foundation under another unit in the same building.
What Texas Inspectors Should Know About TREC Complaints
The only way enforcement can initiate an investigation is through a filed complaint, which can be done by anyone.
In 2023, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) opened 6,307 enforcement cases. 86 of those involved inspectors.
Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee Chair Lee Warren shares updates from the second TREIC Meeting of 2024, including a timeline on the new review of the Real Estate Inspector Standards of Practice and how inspectors can be involved.
The next TREIC meeting is July 15 at 10 a.m. License holders may earn up to four hours of CE credit each license renewal period by attending TREIC meetings in person.
Out of Office
TREC Enforcement Director Mike Molloy and TREC Deputy Executive Director Tony Slagle attended the Texas Inspector Convention at the Brazos County Expo Center in January. Planning for next year's event is already underway. Follow along.
Know an Inspector Who Should Get This Message?
The Texas Real Estate Commission's Inspector Insight e-newsletter provides updates for current and prospective real estate inspector license holders, plus anyone interested in the industry. Share this sign up page if there's someone you know who should be getting these messages!
Are your assumed business names or “doing business as” name (DBAs) on file with TREC? A DBA or assumed business name can be used in advertisements in place of the inspector’s name if it is properly registered with the Commission.
Inspector Report Form PDF Is Fillable
Based on public comments, the Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee directed staff to create a fillable PDF of the Property Inspection Report Form (REI 7-6). Inspectors are allowed to attach additional pages to the report form if there are more details than will fit in the space allotted. Download the form
Get Instructions for Filling Out the Inspection Report
This document is designed to provide guidance to an inspector on how to properly check the various boxes on the Property Inspection Report Form. Download the instructions
The Notice of Apprentice/Real Estate Inspector Termination Form (REI-TS-0)
This may be used by inspectors to terminate a trainee or real estate inspector relationship. The form includes a line for the sponsoring inspector to fill in the inspector’s DBA, so TREC staff can remove that information from the terminated inspector’s records. Download the form
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