B.C. Information Bulletin:

](http://consumerprotectionbc.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acda4235cd25a7066075b7c55&id=120b8e808f&e=95521f7a96)

](http://us5.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=acda4235cd25a7066075b7c55&id=d22ba103d1&e=95521f7a96)
[FONT=“Arial”]Forward to Friend](http://us5.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=acda4235cd25a7066075b7c55&id=d22ba103d1&e=95521f7a96)[/FONT]

](http://consumerprotectionbc.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=acda4235cd25a7066075b7c55&id=605d8510be&e=95521f7a96)
[FONT=“Arial”]Like us on Facebook](http://consumerprotectionbc.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=acda4235cd25a7066075b7c55&id=b269846724&e=95521f7a96)[/FONT]

](http://consumerprotectionbc.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acda4235cd25a7066075b7c55&id=0968ea30a4&e=95521f7a96)
[FONT=“Arial”]Follow us on Twitter](http://consumerprotectionbc.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acda4235cd25a7066075b7c55&id=c1fa5dac4a&e=95521f7a96)[/FONT]

                               **UNDERSTANDING THE NEW HOME INSPECTION RULES **

                        In March 2016, the BC government      announced changes to the province’s Home Inspector Licensing      Regulation.  Whether you are a licensed home inspector or you wish      to become a home inspector in BC, it's important to know that the rules      are coming into effect today. 
  
  **If you are a licensed home inspector...**
  As a licensed home inspector, there are now new rules and processes for      you to follow; including new contract requirements and inspection report      requirements.  Here is a refresher of some of the information we      have sent you over the past months: 

Just participate in www.nachi.org/buy You give your client gets 90 days to get out. That’s a dang good legal defense. Here are 18 more things you can do to reduce your liability: https://www.nachi.org/avoiding-lawsuits.htm

http://us5.campaign-archive1.com/?u=acda4235cd25a7066075b7c55&id=137fcba6b9&e=95521f7a96

https://www.nachi.org/forum/data:image/png;base64,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

](http://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/)

[RIGHT] Consumer Protection BC’s process for home inspector trainers and evaluators has been updated

](http://us5.forward-to-friend1.com/forward?u=acda4235cd25a7066075b7c55&id=137fcba6b9&e=95521f7a96)

](http://www.facebook.com/ConsumerProtectionBC)

](http://twitter.com/consumerprobc)
[/RIGHT]

INDUSTRY BULLETIN

December 5, 2016

Consumer Protection BC’s process for home inspector trainers and evaluators has been updated

**

**

Since implementing changes to the home inspector licensing requirements, many of you have expressed a desire to train and mentor those who want to enter the field of home inspection by becoming an approved trainer or evaluator with Consumer Protection BC. We have also heard from you that the process is time consuming and difficult, which may have stopped you from applying or completing the process. Based on this feedback, we have made changes.

**[FONT=Arial]What are the    changes?**
Effective December 5, 2016, if you want to apply to become an approved home    inspector trainer or evaluator, you no longer need to submit a report that    proves that you have completed 250 home inspections (for trainers) or 1,000    home inspections (for evaluators). You only need to submit a statutory    declaration (a written document that you sign and declare to be true before    a commissioner for taking oaths in BC). You can find a copy of the    updated statutory declaration on our website here](https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/images/content/licensing/home_inspectors/forms/Statutory%20Declaration%20Approved%20Trainer%20and%20Evaluator%20Rev2.pdf).  
 
All trainer and evaluator applications received after December 12, 2016    will need to be accompanied with this new statutory declaration. From now    until December 12, 2016, we will accept either the new form or the old form    with the accompanied home inspection report form.
 
Our policy has also been amended to reflect this change. You will notice    there is no longer an expectation for approved trainers and evaluators to    enter into formal contracts with home inspector applicants. That said, it’s    still important for both parties to be fully aware of the terms and    expectations of the training process, and using contracts can give both    parties a level of protection. The revised policy can be found on our    website [here](https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/images/HI_Home_Inspector_Approved_Trainer_and_Evaluator_Policy_R2.pdf).
 
**Need more    information?**
We hope that this change is helpful to you and we thank you for the    feedback you provided. If you have any questions, please contact Nicholas    Turner via email at Nicholas.turner@consumerprotectionbc.ca or    by phone at 1-888-564-9963 ext 1818.
 
Thank you,
Consumer Protection BC  [/FONT]

https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/corporate-news/1361-consumer-protection-bc-to-start-publishing-reasons-for-enforcement-decisions

Corporate News

Consumer Protection BC to start publishing reasons forenforcement decisions
0Share
ConsumerProtection BC to start publishing reasons for enforcement decisions

**Wasthis information useful? **

  • Yes
  • No
    **Dec. 1, 2016,Victoria, BC – **StartingJan. 1, 2017, Consumer Protection BC will start publishing full written reasonsfor enforcement decisions on its website – that is, the reasons whydecision-makers came to certain conclusions and why specific enforcementactions were taken against businesses.

As a regulator, Consumer Protection BC has always shared some details about itsdecisions, including the name of the business, the section of the law that wasbroken and the penalty that was imposed.

“Over the years, we have shared increasingly more information about our workwith the public and our stakeholders – this is the next step,” says TatianaChabeaux-Smith, spokesperson for Consumer Protection BC. “Publishing ourreasons for decisions is an educational tool that can give businesses and thepublic a greater understanding of the work we do, how the law is applied incertain circumstances and the possible consequences associated with breakingthe law.”

Consumer Protection BC uses a progressive approach to compliance anddiscipline, focusing on getting businesses to voluntarily comply with the law,often using enforcement actions (such as fines, orders or licence suspensions)as a last resort. Of the 160 files that closed with an outcome in 2015,voluntary compliance was achieved in 74 per cent of the cases.

More information about inspections and complaint-handling at ConsumerProtection BC is available in thisbackgrounder](https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/images/content/news/2016_Backgrounder_--_Inspections_and_Investigations_FINAL.pdf). Starting Jan. 1, 2017, view Consumer Protection BC’senforcement actions, including the full reasons for decisions, by clickinghere. Statistics and a yearly overview of Consumer Protection BC’s work canbe found online, in its annual reports.

About Consumer Protection BC:**
**Consumer Protection BC is the regulator of a variety of sectors andspecific consumer transactions in the province. Our mandate is to license andinspect our regulated businesses, respond to consumer inquiries, investigatealleged violations of consumer protection laws, classify all general releasemotion pictures and provide information so consumers can self-assess thefairness of a transaction. Our vision is a province where all citizens of BCare empowered in their transactions as a result of rigorous and consistentbusiness compliance and through the provision of solution-based information.Formore information about our organization, please visit our corporate website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.You can also follow Consumer Protection BC on Twitter @ConsumerProBC,like us on Facebook and read our blogfor valuable consumer tips and resources.
-30-

http://www.lakecountrycalendar.com/news/standards-for-home-inspectors-being-set/

The provincestill lacks a unified standard of practice for skill levels and training,something the
Home InspectorsAssociation of B.C. (HIABC), has been working toward.

Standards for home inspectors being set

Homeinspection is one of the subjects to be addressed before a sale is finalized

  • Barry Gerding](http://www.lakecountrycalendar.com/author/barry-gerding/)

  • Fri Mar 17th,2017 9:30am

  • [FONT=“Helvetica”] [/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]For many home buyers in the Okanagan, a homeinspection is one of the subjects to be addressed before a sale is finalized.[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]In B.C., all home inspectors require to be licensedby the provincial government, one of only two provinces with that mandate.[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]But the province still lacks a unified standard ofpractice for skill levels and training, something the Home InspectorsAssociation of B.C. (HIABC),[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”] has beenworking towards with the government but a single standard is still not yet inplace.[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]On Sept. 1, 2016, new rules were introduced thatremoved the requirement for home inspectors to belong to a professionalinspection association [/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]while at the same time established interim minimumstandards of education and training.[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]Those standards are below the levels set out by theHIABC, says Bob Hamm, the association’s vice-president and a Kelowna-based homeinspector.[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]Hamm said it could be six months to a year from nowbefore provincial regulations and training requirements for all home inspectorsare adopted.[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]“We realize it takes time to do it right and we areencouraged by the progress,” Hamm said. “In the meantime, [/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]we are continuing to follow our HIABC standardswhich far exceed the minimum set out in the new regulations.[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]“We feel home buyers should get the benefit of thehighest standards of professionalism today and not have to wait.”[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]Those standards for HIABC members, which representabout 60 per cent of all home inspectors across B.C., include:[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]* 20 hours of continuing education training eachyear; current regulations do not require any[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]*new home inspectors receive training from threedifferent approved trainers; current regulations call only for one approvedinstructor[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]*submit verification non-fee home inspectionreports which are reviewed by senior home inspectors to ensure ramificationsdiscovered [/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]that could affect a home in the future arethoroughly explained; current regulations offer minimum standard of notingpresence of a problem[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”] but not toexplain the significance or make recommendations[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]‘We would like to see all home inspectors in B.C.meet our stringent requirements and we will continue to work closely[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”] with theB.C. Housing Ministry to ensure that will happen for the benefit of homebuyers,” added Helene Barton, executive director of the HIABC.[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]Hamm said while for Okanagan home sales homeinspections are relatively routine, such is not the case in the Lower Mainland.[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]“It’s kind of the norm here in the Okanagan andmost realtors are very cooperative in encouraging their clients thatinspections be done.[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]“It’s the opposite down in the Lower Mainland wherethe demand for properties is such that buyers and realtors don’t want subjectsdelaying the sale. [/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]That as become a bit of a habit down there.”[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]And it’s a habit, Hamm notes, that can prove costlyfor home buyers, who find themselves afterward stuck with a[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”] home repairbill in the thousands of dollars that could have been avoided.[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]“People buy insurance on their house without evermaking a claim on it but just because of the chance they might need it.[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”] Homeinspections are a one-time fee to help protect you from unknown issues thatcould prove costly,” Hamm said.[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]“Particularly when people are at financial risk inbuying a home the barely qualify for a mortgage on, [/FONT]
    [FONT=“Helvetica”]they are in no position to deal with large repairbills after the deal is done.”[/FONT]
    [FONT=“Source Sans Pro”] [/FONT]