Subject: Home Inspector Qualifications - Update Bulletin
Consultation Update
On December 11, 2013, the 16-member volunteer panel of home inspectors, consumers, representatives from real estate, law, education and insurance industries, submitted their final report titled, A Closer Look: Qualifying Ontario’s Home Inspectors, to the Minister of Consumer Services.
The report makes 35 recommendations to strengthen the home inspector profession and increase protection for consumers who purchase home inspection services.
The ministry posted the panel’s report on the Regulatory Registry for public review and comment for 45 days. Approximately 140 public responses were received.
No decision has been made at this time regarding licensing or qualifications. The ministry is currently reviewing the panel’s recommendations and the public’s feedback on the panel’s report. The ministry anticipates more information on next steps later this Spring.
The ministry appreciates the time and effort many people have given throughout this public engagement process. Please let us know if you have further advice or wish to be included on future updates be sending an email to homeinspectors@ontario.ca.
New Video
The ministry has produced a consumer video on the importance of hiring a home inspector and what to expect from a home inspection. It’s the newest addition in a series of consumer protection videos called The Experts Speak. We encourage you to share this video to help inform more people about home inspectors. This video may be viewed at The Experts Speak
http://www.sse.gov.on.ca/mcs/en/Pages/vid_es.aspx?SelectedID=15
Sincerely,
David Brezer
Director, Consumer Policy and Liaison Branch
Ministry of Consumer Services