Here are my suggested answers:
Can the report identification that shows up at the top of the report pages after the first two be moved to the bottom of the report?
- Yes, see Section 535.223(3) An inspector may make the following changes to the standard form: (G) place the property identification and page number at either the top or bottom of the page;
Can the “Other” sections be not printed if not used?
- Yes, see Section 535.223(3) An inspector may make the following changes to the standard form: (K) delete Subsection L., Other, of Section I., Structural Systems; Subsection E., Other of Section IV, Plumbing Supply, Distribution Systems and Fixtures and Subsection I., Other of Section V., Appliances;
Can the verbiage referencing sponsoring inspector on the front page of the report be removed if there is not a sponsoring inspector?
- Yes, see Section 535.223 (3) An inspector may make the following changes to the standard form: (A) delete the line for name and license number, of the sponsoring inspector, if the inspection was performed solely by a professional inspector;
Can an inspector add sections below the “Other” sections?
- Yes, but any additional subsections should be listed under the corresponding appropriate section. For a system or component not specifically covered by the SOP’s, they should be placed under the “Other” section as a lower level subheading [Most software programs will provide you with a multilevel list option, for example: Main Heading is “A”, multilevel subheading options could be (1), (i), (a)]. See Section 535.223 (3) An inspector may make the following changes to the standard form: (H) add subheadings under items, provided that the numbering of the standard items remains consistent with the standard form; and (I) list other items in the corresponding appropriate section of the report form and additional captions, letters, and check boxes for those items;
Can you do a single item inspection on your own report version provided notice is made on that document stating this is not a TREC inspection, etc.? Inspectors are wondering if a buyer or seller wanted only the roof inspected could they do a single item inspection report not on REI-7, but provide notice that this is not a TREC inspection?
- Yes, under section 535.223 (6) This section does not apply to the following: (F) inspections of a single system or component as outlined in clause (ii) of this subparagraph, provided that the first page of the report contains a notice either in bold or underlined reading substantially similar to the following: “This report was prepared for a buyer or seller in accordance with the client’s requirements. The report addresses a single system or component and is not intended as a substitute for a complete standard inspection of the property. Standard inspections performed by a license holder and reported on a Commission promulgated report form may contain additional information a buyer should consider in making a decision to purchase.”
See link to full Rule 535.223: Texas Administrative Code
Feel free to let the Inspectors know that they can submit questions directly to TREC by emailing:enforcement@trec.texas.gov
Please let us know if there are other questions, thank you.
J. Antonio (Tony) Renteria
Staff Attorney
Enforcement Division
Texas Real Estate Commission
Office: (512) 936-3005
Fax: (512) 936-3809
Email: tony.renteria@trec.texas.gov