Ontario’s Home Inspection Industry To Undergo Regulation

The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services has revealed plans that it is working with The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors in the attempt to pass a draft legislation that would regulate certain aspects of the home inspection industry.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Government and Consumer Services, Marie-France Lalonde, and she disclosed that the new laws sought to better protect the consumers. Such laws entail certain degrees of qualification for all home inspectors and require home inspectors to be licensed at that. The government feels the need to introduce such a law because almost 65% of houses bought and sold in Ontario are claimed to have been ‘inspected’ although most home inspectors in the real estate industry are not yet fully regulated or licensed.

Contracts will also be modified to fit minimum standards. Home inspectors will be required to disclose certain types of information as well as ensure the language used is appropriate. The draft legislation also advocates for the establishment of an independent administrative authority that would facilitate the licensing of home inspectors and enforce home inspection rules and regulations.

The province revealed in a press release:

“These changes would ensure consumers benefit from quality advice, are protected from surprise costs and aware of safety issues before buying a home. This will also create a level playing field for the home inspection industry, preventing inspectors with little or no training from competing with qualified professionals by offering lower rates.”

Murray Parish, RHI and president of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI), has also delivered a statement on the subject:

“OAHI will also continue to advocate for well-educated, professional home inspectors in Ontario,” he said.