Are home inspectors in Rhode Island required to be licensed? Yes and no.

A law to require mandatory licensing of home inspections was originally to take effect on July 1, 2001; however, the licensing program to be administered by the Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board, was never funded, and home inspector licensing has been in limbo ever since that time.

The good news is that the licensing of home inspectors will become a reality, according to George Whalen, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board, which will oversee the licensing of home inspectors. A Special House Commission to Examine the Issue of Licensing Builders and Contractors chaired by House Speaker Tempore Charlene Lima (D-Cranston) and the Board successfully lobbied for the funding of this licensing program as well as crafting a new law to provide more protection for consumers who hire contractors. 

When will home inspector licensing requirements go into effect?

The Board’s goal is to begin licensing home inspectors sometime in 2008. However, an exact date is not yet available at this time as the Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board will need time to rewrite its regulations, hold public hearings, and make other changes in order to implement the law. We will update you once the Board is able to establish a specific date.

Who can become a home inspector?

The law creates two categories of inspector: home inspectors and associate home inspectors, whose work will be supervised by a home inspector.

Home inspectors and associate inspectors will be required to the following:

• Carry mandatory errors and omissions insurance
• Carry an identification card issued by the board
• Include their license number and contact information for the Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board on all advertisements and inspection reports.
• Comply with examination, experience, and continuing education requirements except for those experienced contractors and home inspectors who will be grandfathered.

How will I know whether an inspector holds a valid license or has a history of complaints?

The Board web site currently offers a feature that allows members of the public to search to see whether a contractor has registered, has a history of violations, and whether his registration has been suspended. The Board will add home inspectors to this database.

How can I learn more about these and the Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board in general?

To learn more about these changes, visit the Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board web site. The web site will be updated as the changes go into effect.

Please feel free to post your comments. Other questions? Please contact the RIAR Legal Department at 401-785-3650 x 5.