Ohio Administrative Code Title 1301:17 - Home Inspector
Here’s a refined overview of Ohio Administrative Code Title 1301:17 – Home Inspector, specifically Chapter 1301:17-1, which governs licensure and practice standards for home inspectors in Ohio across sections 1301:17‑1‑01 to 1301:17‑1‑22
📌 Chapter 1301:17-1 Title Summary
1. Public Notice & Meetings (1301:17‑1‑01, ‑02)
The Home Inspector Board must post notices of meetings and maintain an email/fax/mail list; regular meetings require at least five days’ notice
2. Fees (‑03)
Initial and renewal licensure fee: $235
Late renewal (within 3 months): extra $125
Miscellaneous: $25 for replacements, $600 for education-course approval, $150 for continuing education approval, $100 NSF fee
3. Application & Licensing Requirements (‑04, ‑05, ‑06)
Out-of-state applicants must satisfy background check, business registration, appropriate fees, and correct applications within 30 days
Fingerprints for criminal records check due within 10 days of application (
4. Pre‑Licensing Education & Experience (‑07, ‑13, ‑14, ‑15)
Qualifying education: at least 80 hours in core topics (structure, systems, laws, reporting), valid for 3 years
Work experience/interactive learning: 40 hours documented under supervision or via board-approved instructor
Parallel inspections: supervised inspections with report review within 10 days, max two trainees per inspector
Peer review: participants inspect a property, present to panel, must identify ≥70% of material defects; successful participants get a certificate
5. Ethics & Standards of Practice (‑16, ‑17)
Inspectors must remain unbiased, honest, maintain confidentiality, avoid misrepresentation, and use clear contracts and reports .
Standards of practice: inspectors perform visual, non‑exhaustive inspections; they are not required to identify hidden or latent defects, estimate costs, life expectancy, code compliance, hazards, or property valuation
6. Continuing Education for Renewal (‑10)
Licensed inspectors must complete CE in approved categories (safety, ethics, report writing, systems, environment, tech, meetings)
Max 8 in-person hours/day; can't repeat same content; credit also for education, teaching, writing
Extensions available for military service or disaster situations
7. Enforcement & Complaint Resolution (‑18 to ‑22)
Requirements for recordkeeping (stenographic hearing records), informal mediation processes (confidential, good-faith accommodation), disciplinary sanctions, and settlement agreements are clearly defined
✅ Summary
Ohio’s administrative code establishes a clear framework for home inspectors, covering:
Licensing: fees, applications, background checks
Pre‑licensing: education, supervised inspections, peer review
Professional standards: ethics, confidentiality, scope of inspections
Ongoing requirements: continuing education, enforcement procedures
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