Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies
TITLE 20. Professional & Occupational Licensing, Certification
Agency
Department of Consumer Protection
Subject
Home Inspectors
Inclusive Sections
R.C.S.A. §§ 20-491-1— 20-491-28
Home Inspectors
Sec. 20-491-1. Definitions
Sec. 20-491-2. Purpose and scope
Sec. 20-491-3. Structural system
Sec. 20-491-4. Exterior
Sec. 20-491-5. Roof system
Sec. 20-491-6. Plumbing system
Sec. 20-491-7. Electrical system
Sec. 20-491-8. Heating system
Sec. 20-491-9. Air conditioning systems
Sec. 20-491-10. Interior
Sec. 20-491-11. Insulation and ventilation
Sec. 20-491-12. Fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances
Sec. 20-491-13. General limitations and exclusions
Sec. 20-491-14. Code of ethics
Sec. 20-491-15. Schools, institutions or organizations
Sec. 20-491-16. Course filing requirements
Sec. 20-491-17. Intern training program
Sec. 20-491-18. Advertising guidelines
Sec. 20-491-19. Affidavit or certificate requirements for pre-licensing courses
Sec. 20-491-20. Course and location approval by the Home Inspection Licensing Board
Sec. 20-491-21. Records
Sec. 20-491-22. Home Inspection Licensing Board and department audits
Sec. 20-491-23. Course content
Sec. 20-491-24. Hardship
Sec. 20-491-25. Hearings on refusal of school or course approval
Sec. 20-491-26. Applications
Home Inspector Interns
Sec. 20-491-27. Home inspector intern requirements.
Sec. 20-491-28. Supervision of home inspector interns
As used in this section and sections 20-491-2 to 20-491-28, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies:
(1) “Alarm system” means an alarm device, installed or free-standing, including, but not limited to: security equipment and ejector pumps;
(2) “Architectural service” means “the practice of architecture” or “practice architecture” as defined in Section 20-288(3) of the Connecticut General Statutes;
(3) “Automatic safety controls” means devices designed and installed to protect systems and components from unsafe conditions;
(4) “Board” means the Home Inspection Licensing Board;
(5) “Carbon monoxide detector” means a device solely for the purpose of automatic detection and warning of the presence of carbon monoxide;
(6) “Combined smoke and carbon monoxide detector” means a device solely for the purpose of automatic detection and warning of the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide; and
(7) “Component” means a part of a system;
(8) “Decorative” means ornamental; not required for the operation of the essential systems and components of a home;
(9) “Department” means the Department of Consumer Protection;
(10) “Describe” means to report a system or component by its type or other observed, significant characteristics to distinguish it from other systems or components;
(11) “Dismantle” means to take apart or remove any component, device or piece of equipment that would not be taken apart or removed by a homeowner in the course of normal and routine homeowner maintenance;
(12) “Engineering service” means services offered by a “professional engineer” as defined in Section 20-299(1) of the Connecticut General Statutes;
(13) “Further evaluation” means examination and analysis by a qualified professional, tradesperson or service technician beyond that provided by the home inspection;
(14) “Household appliances” means kitchen, laundry, and similar appliances, whether installed or free-standing;
(15) “Inspect” means to examine readily accessible systems and components of a building in accordance with home inspection statutes and this section and sections 20-491-2 to 20-491-28, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, using normal operating controls and opening readily accessible panels;
(16) “Installed” means attached such that removal requires tools;
(17) “Instant-hot water dispenser” means a separate device installed at a sink to provide hot water through a separate tap;
(18) “Normal operating controls” means devices such as thermostats, switches or valves intended to be operated by the homeowner;
(19) “Readily accessible” means available for visual inspection without requiring moving of personal property, dismantling, destructive measures, or any action which will likely involve risk to persons or property;
(20) “Readily openable access panel” means a panel provided for homeowner inspection and maintenance that is within normal reach, can be removed by one person, and is not sealed in place;
(21) “Recreational facilities” means jet-tubs, spas, saunas, steambaths, swimming pools, exercise, entertainment, athletic, playground or other similar equipment and associated accessories;
(22) “Report” means to communicate in writing;
(23) “Representative number” means one component per room for multiple similar interior components such as windows and electric outlets; one component on each side of the building for multiple similar exterior components;
(24) “Roof drainage systems” means components used to carry water off a roof and away from a building;
(25) “Significantly deficient” means unsafe or not functioning;
(26) “Shut down” means a state in which a system or component cannot be operated by normal operating controls;
(27) “Smoke detector” means a device solely for the purpose of automatic detection and warning of the presence of smoke;
(28) “Solid fuel burning appliances” means a hearth and fire chamber or similarly prepared place in which a fire may be built and which is built in conjunction with a chimney; or a listed assembly of a fire chamber, its chimney and related factory-made parts designed for unit assembly without requiring field construction;
(29) “Spillage detector” means a device used to detect a leak, including, but not limited to, combustion flue gas leaks and liquid spillage;
(30) “Structural component” means a component that supports non-variable forces or weights (dead loads) and variable forces or weights (live loads);
(31) “System” means a combination of interacting or independent components, assembled to carry out one or more functions;
(32) “Technically exhaustive” means an investigation that involves dismantling, the extensive use of advance techniques, measurements, instruments, testing, calculations or other means;
(33) “Under-floor crawl space” means the area within the confines of the foundation and between the ground and the underside of the floor;
(34) “Unsafe” means a condition in a readily accessible, installed system or component that is judged to be a significant risk of personal injury during normal, day-to-day use. The risk may be due to damage, deterioration, improper installation or a change in accepted residential construction standards;
(35) “Warning equipment” means installed or free-standing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and combined smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; and
(36) “Wiring methods” means identification of electrical conductors or wires of the general type, such as “non-metallic sheathed cable” (“Romex”), “armored cable” (“bx”) or “knob and tube.”
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002; Amended November 1, 2023)
(a) The purpose of these regulations is to establish a minimum and uniform standard for the home inspector who provides or offers to provide a home inspection.
(b) The inspector shall inspect readily accessible systems and components of homes and installed systems and components of homes.
(c) The inspector shall report on those systems and components inspected which, in the professional opinion of the inspector, are significantly deficient or are near the end of their service lives.
(d) The inspector shall provide a reason why, if not self-evident, the system or component is significantly deficient or near the end of its service life and the inspector shall provide recommendations to correct or monitor the reported deficiency.
(e) The inspector shall report on any systems and components designated for inspection in these regulations which were present at the time of the home inspection, unless a written reason is provided as to why any such systems or components were not inspected.
(f) These regulations are not intended to limit the inspector from including other inspection services, systems or components in addition to those required by these regulations; from specifying repairs, provided the inspector is appropriately qualified and willing to do so; and from excluding systems and components from the inspection if requested by the client.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
(a) The inspector shall inspect the structural components including foundations and framing.
(b) The inspector shall probe a representative number of structural components where deterioration is suspected or where clear indications of possible deterioration exist. Probing is not required when probing would damage any finished surface or where no deterioration is visible.
(c) The inspector shall describe the foundation and report the methods used to inspect the under-floor crawl space or basement area; the floor structure; the wall structure; the ceiling structure; and the roof structure and report the methods used to inspect the attic.
(d) The inspector is not required to provide any engineering service or provide architectural service.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
(a) The inspector shall inspect the exterior wall covering, flashing and trim; all exterior doors; attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and their associated railings; the eaves, soffits, and fascias where accessible from the ground level; the vegetation, grading, surface drainage, and retaining walls on the property when any of these are likely to adversely affect the building; and walkways, patios, and driveways leading to dwelling entrances.
(b) The inspector shall describe exterior wall covering, finishing and trim.
(c) The inspector is not required to inspect screening, shutters, awnings, and similar seasonal accessories; fences; geological, geotechnical or hydrological conditions; recreational facilities; outbuildings; seawalls, break-walls, and docks; or erosion control and earth stabilization measures.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
(a) The inspector shall inspect the roof covering; the roof drainage systems; the flashings; the skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations.
(b) The inspector shall describe the roof covering and report the methods used to inspect the roof.
(c) The inspector is not required to inspect antennae, interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily accessible or other installed accessories.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
(a) The inspector shall inspect the interior water supply and distribution systems, including all fixtures and faucets; the drain, waste and vent systems, including all fixtures; the water heating equipment; the fuel storage and fuel distribution systems; and the drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related piping.
(b) The inspector shall describe the water supply, drain, waste, and vent piping materials; if the water supply to the building is from an on-site well pump system, then the inspector shall describe the visible components of that system, the water heating equipment including the energy source; and the location of main water and main fuel shut-off valves.
(c) The inspector is not required to inspect the following items:
(1) clothes washing machine connections;
(2) wells;
(3) well pumps;
(4) water storage related equipment;
(5) water conditioning systems;
(6) solar water heating systems;
(7) fire and lawn sprinkler systems;
(8) private waste disposal systems;
(9) instant-hot water dispensers; or
(10) recreational facilities.
(d) The inspector is not required to determine whether water supply and waste disposal systems are public or private or the quantity or quality of the water supply, well yields, well pump longevity, or the internal condition of water storage equipment.
(e) The inspector is not required to operate safety valves or shut-off valves.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002; Amended March 7, 2008; Amended November 1, 2023)
(a) The inspector shall inspect the service drop; the service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways; the service equipment and main disconnects; the service grounding; the interior components of service panels and sub panels; the conductors; the overcurrent protection devices; a representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles; and the ground fault circuit interrupters.
(b) The inspector shall describe the amperage and voltage rating of the service; the location of main disconnect or disconnects and sub panels; and the wiring methods.
(c) The inspector shall report on the presence of solid aluminum branch circuit wiring.
(d) The inspector is not required to inspect the remote control devices unless the device is the only control device, the alarm systems and components, the low voltage wiring systems and components, solar systems, any on-site generators, or the ancillary wiring systems and components not a part of the primary electrical power distribution system.
(e) The inspector is not required to measure amperage, voltage, or impedance.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002; Amended November 1, 2023)
(a) The inspector shall inspect the installed heating equipment and the vent systems, flues and chimneys.
(b) The inspector shall describe the energy source and the heating method by its distinguishing characteristics.
(c) The inspector is not required to inspect the interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily accessible, the heat exchanger, the humidifier, dehumidifier, the electronic air filter, or the solar space heating system.
(d) The inspector is not required to determine heat supply adequacy or distribution balance.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
(a) The inspector shall inspect the installed central and through-wall cooling equipment.
(b) The inspector shall describe the energy source and the cooling method by its distinguishing characteristics.
(c) The inspector is not required to inspect electronic air filters or determine cooling supply adequacy or distribution balance.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
(a) The inspector shall inspect the walls, ceilings, and floors; the steps, stairways, and railings; the countertops and a representative number of installed cabinets; a representative number of doors and windows; and garage doors and garage door operators.
(b) The inspector is not required to inspect the paint, wallpaper, and other finish treatments; the carpeting; the window treatments; the central vacuum systems; the household appliances; or recreational facilities.
(c) The inspector shall report on:
(1) the absence of warning equipment;
(2) the presence of warning equipment;
(3) the location of warning equipment, indicated by a description of the room or space the equipment is in;
(4) the total number of warning equipment;
(5) whether the inspector is able to test warning equipment;
(6) if the warning equipment has been tested, the method of testing and the result of such test; and
(7) whether the inspector is able to verify that warning equipment is less than ten (10) years old.
(d) If the inspector does not test warning equipment, the inspector shall prominently disclose in the inspection report that no testing of warning equipment was conducted.
(e) The inspector is not required to dismantle or determine the type of any warning equipment.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002; Amended November 1, 2023)
(a) The inspector shall inspect the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces; the ventilation of attics and foundation areas; and the mechanical ventilation systems.
(b) The inspector shall describe the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces and the absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at conditioned surfaces.
(c) The inspector is not required to disturb insulation or vapor retarders or determine indoor air quality.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
(a) The inspector shall inspect the system components and the vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
(b) The inspector shall describe the fireplaces, solid fuel burning appliances and the chimneys.
(c) The inspector is not required to inspect the interiors of flues or chimneys, the firescreens and doors, the seals and gaskets, the automatic fuel feed devices, the mantles and fireplace surrounds, the combustion make-up air devices, or the heat distribution assists, whether gravity controlled or fan assisted.
(d) The inspector is not required to ignite or extinguish fires, determine draft characteristics, or move fireplace inserts or stoves or firebox contents.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
(a) Inspections performed in accordance with these regulations are not technically exhaustive. The inspector is not required to identify concealed conditions or latent defects.
(b) These regulations shall be applicable to buildings with four or fewer dwelling units and their attached garages or carports.
(c) The inspector is not required to perform any action or make any determination unless specifically stated in these regulations, except as may be required by lawful authority.
(d) The inspector is not required to determine the following:
(1) the condition of systems or components which are not readily accessible;
(2) the remaining life of any system or component;
(3) the strength, adequacy, effectiveness, or efficiency of any system or component;
(4) the causes of any condition or deficiency;
(5) the methods, materials, or costs of corrections;
(6) future conditions, including, but not limited to, failure of systems or components;
(7) the suitability of the property for any specialized use;
(8) compliance with regulatory requirements (codes, regulations, laws or ordinances);
(9) the market value of the property or its marketability;
(10) the advisability of the purchase of the property;
(11) the presence of potentially hazardous plants or animals, including, but not limited to, wood destroying organisms or diseases harmful to humans;
(12) the presence of any environmental hazards, including, but not limited to, toxins, carcinogens, noise, contaminants in soil, water, and air, radon, mold, asbestos, lead paint, or lead solder;
(13) the effectiveness of any system installed or methods utilized to control or remove suspected hazardous substances;
(14) the operating costs of systems or components;
(15) the acoustical properties of any system or component;
(16) the type of any warning equipment; or
(17) the type or presence of any spillage detectors.
(e) Any services not required under Sections 20-491-1 to 20-491-14, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies may be offered by the home inspector as an optional service or provided at the request of the client.
(f) The inspector is not required to perform engineering services, or perform work in any other trade or any professional service other than home inspection.
(g) The inspector is not required to operate: (1) any system or component which is shut down or otherwise inoperable, (2) any system or component which does not respond to normal operating controls, or (3) shut-off valves.
(h) The inspector is not required to enter or inspect: (1) any area which will (A) likely be dangerous to the inspector or other persons or (B) damage the property or its systems or components or (2) under-floor crawl spaces or attics which are not readily accessible.
(i) The inspector is not required to inspect: underground items, including, but not limited to, underground storage tanks or other underground indications of their presence; decorative items; systems or components located in areas that are not entered in accordance with these regulations; detached structures other than garages and carports; or common elements or common areas in multi-unit housing, such as condominium properties or cooperative housing.
(j) The inspector is not required to perform any procedure or operation which requires the inspector to move suspended ceiling tiles, personal property, furniture, equipment, plants, soil, snow, ice, or debris; or dismantle any system or component, except as explicitly required by these regulations.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002; Amended April 17, 2017; Amended November 1, 2023)
(a) Opinions expressed by the inspector shall only be based on the inspector's education, experience and honest convictions.
(b) The inspector shall always act in good faith toward each client.
(c) The inspector shall not disclose any information concerning the results of the inspection without the approval of the client or such client's representative unless the inspector finds that public health, safety or welfare imperatively requires emergency action.
(d) The inspector shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one interested party for the same service without the consent of all interested parties.
(e) The inspector shall not accept or offer commissions or allowances, directly or indirectly, from other parties dealing with such inspector's client in connection with work for which the inspector is responsible.
(f) Prior to being retained, the inspector shall promptly disclose to his or her client any interest or conflict of interest which may affect the client.
(g) The inspector shall not allow an interest in any business to affect the quality or the results of the work which the inspector may be called upon to perform.
(h) The inspection work shall not be used as a vehicle for the inspector to deliberately obtain work in another field.
(i) The inspector shall make every effort to uphold, maintain, and improve the professional integrity, reputation, and practice of the home inspection profession.
(j) The inspector shall not engage in false or misleading advertising or otherwise misrepresent any matters to the public.
(k) No inspector shall express, within the context of an inspection, an appraisal or opinion of the market value of the inspected property.
(l) The inspector shall not discriminate against anyone on the basis of age, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental handicap, or national origin.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
(a) Each school, institution or organization, desirous of offering approved home inspection courses shall submit a formal filing for each course seeking approval with the Home Inspection Licensing Board.
(b) Each school, institution or organization seeking approval of its home inspection courses shall offer to the general public at least one course required to meet the minimum qualifications. These shall include, but not be limited to, the following: A home inspection principles and practices course consisting of not less than forty classroom hours of study.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
(a) The filing for each course shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) A copy of the detailed course outline; (2) a copy of the instructor lecture guidelines; (3) copy of the text and related teaching materials; (4) copy of the final examination; (5) copy of any quizzes; (6) grading system; (7) a copy of affidavits and certificates to be issued by the school, institution or organization upon completion of the course other than that prescribed by the Home Inspection Licensing Board; (8) copy of all proposed advertising and publicity; (9) seminars and indoctrination attended by instructors; (10) locations of all classrooms; and (11) names and addresses of all instructors to be used; and (12) the dollar amount of tuition and other related costs.
(b) No course of less than one (1) hour will be approved.
(c) Correspondence courses may be permitted for continuing education credit.
(d) Each school, institution or organization shall submit an updated course filing containing any changes from the previous offering within each two year period from original approval date.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
The board-approved training program, known as the Home Inspection Intern Training Program, shall consist of a minimum of forty hours of instruction and shall include, but not be limited to, the following subject matter: (1) General home inspection; (2) Connecticut home inspection license law and regulations; (3) specialized areas of home inspection practice; and (4) business law.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
(1) All advertising and written or oral statements shall avoid the use of exaggerated or unprovable claims and misrepresentations. In discussing the student's possible or potential economic future in the field of home inspection, no misleading or deceptive claims shall be made.
(2) In any advertising, no school, institution or organization shall use the wording "Approved by the Home Inspection Licensing Board," or other like wording. The following wording may be used: "This course meets the minimum requirements as set forth by the Home Inspection Licensing Board."
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
No affidavit or certificate of successful completion of an approved pre-licensing course of study in home inspection shall be issued to any student unless said student shall have first attended a minimum of forty hours of instruction and shall have achieved a passing numerical grade of at least seventy per cent on a final examination. Each school, institution or organization shall issue an affidavit to the student in such form as may be adopted by the school, institution or organization attesting to the required minimum attendance, dates of attendance and final numerical grade for the course. Said affidavit shall be signed by an authorized official of the school, institution or organization.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
(a) Each school, institution or organization conducting an approved course shall, at least ten days prior to the first scheduled session of each course, submit to the Home Inspection Licensing Board a schedule of the dates, hours, locations, tuition fees, advertising and instructors for each course to be offered. No courses shall commence, or be advertised as approved, nor shall an instructor be used in the classroom, without prior written approval of the Home Inspection Licensing Board. There shall be no change or alteration in any approved course or instructional staff without prior written notice and approval of the Home Inspection Licensing Board. Course approval may be withdrawn for failure to comply with the provisions of sections 20-491-15 through 20-491-26 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.
(b) Each school, institution or organization shall submit to the Home Inspection Licensing Board for prior approval a listing identifying all locations where courses are offered. Each course of study shall be conducted in a classroom or other facility which is adequate to implement the offering. Approved courses shall not be held on the premises of a home inspection office or home inspection franchise. No classroom location shall be approved by the Home Inspection Licensing Board until it has been approved by the local fire marshal for such use.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
(a) Each school, institution or organization conducting approved courses shall keep and retain complete records of student attendance, grades or evidence of completion for a period of at least three years after the completion of each course. Such records shall be available for inspection or audit by representatives of the Home Inspection Licensing Board or the department. Upon satisfactory completion of any approved course, the school, institution or organization shall furnish a certificate or affidavit, as applicable, to the student, as prescribed by the Home Inspection Licensing Board.
(b) The burden of proof of completion of each course shall be upon the licensee. Documentation of such courses shall be submitted in such manner and at such times as prescribed by the Home Inspection Licensing Board.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
The Home Inspection Licensing Board or the department may, without prior notice, visit the school and observe the instruction given to insure proper standards as to method of delivery and instruction and to confirm content of any approved courses.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
(a) The contents of pre-licensing courses or continuing education programs shall consist of current home inspection licensing laws and practices that are broad-based and essential to the role of a home inspection general practitioner as he or she acts in the best interests of the consumer. The contents shall directly relate to home inspection principles and practices as described in sections 20-491-1 to 20-491-14, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and to any overview text on home inspection principles and practices or to new developments in the fields for which licensees have a demonstrated need.
(b) The home inspector shall take courses consisting of at least twenty continuing education hours in each two year continuing education period. A licensee shall not be required to comply with the continuing education requirements of this section until after the licensee's first license renewal. For each two year continuing education period, the following course shall be mandated: One course consisting of at least three classroom hours in current home inspection legislation, licensing laws and regulations.
(c) The Home Inspection Licensing Board shall not approve offerings in mechanical office and business skills such as typing, speed-reading, memory development, personal motivation, salesmanship, sales psychology, sales promotions or other meetings held in conjunction with the general business of a home inspector. Generally acceptable courses may include, but shall not be limited to:
(1) Laws and regulations pertaining to the home inspection licensing profession;
(2) structural systems;
(3) foundations;
(4) interior walls, doors, ceilings and floors;
(5) exterior walls and doors, windows and door glazing;
(6) fireplace and chimney;
(7) roof, roof structure and attic;
(8) porches and decks;
(9) mechanical systems (heating, cooling and solar work);
(10) inspection guidelines for appliances;
(11) inspection guidelines for cooling systems other than evaporative coolers;
(12) inspection guidelines for evaporative coolers;
(13) inspection guidelines for heating systems;
(14) inspection guidelines for ducts, vents (including dryer vents) and flues;
(15) plumbing systems (drain, waste, vent, water and gas);
(16) inspection guidelines for plumbing systems;
(17) electrical systems (for heat, light, power and other purposes);
(18) telecommunications, data, low voltage systems;
(19) service entrance and panels;
(20) branch circuits, connected devices and fixtures;
(21) home inspection documents, forms, contracts and warrantees;
(22) water supply (drilled wells/community water supplies);
(23) fire protection sprinkler systems;
(24) rodents, pests and insects; and
(25) environmental contaminants, such as radon, asbestos, lead paint, or lead solder, and other related courses which may be acceptable to the Home Inspection Licensing Board.
(d) Courses completed prior to certification by the Home Inspection Licensing Board may not qualify for continuing education hours.
(e) Continuing education hour credits shall not be approved more than once for completing the same course within each two year continuing education period.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002; Amended May 9, 2024)
(a) Upon appropriate showing of a bona fide health or other individual hardship, the Home Inspection Licensing Board may grant an exception to the continuing education requirements.
(b) Loss of income resulting from cancellation of a license is not a bona fide hardship.
(c) Requests for exceptions shall be submitted in writing not less than sixty days prior to the date of license renewal and shall include an explanation and verification of the hardship.
(d) Exceptions may include, but are not be limited to: (1) Individuals serving in military service; and (2) individuals who are physically handicapped, which handicap prohibits them from sitting for an exam or attending courses.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
(a) Upon the refusal of the Home Inspection Licensing Board to approve a school, institution or organization for the offering of continuing education courses or a particular course, or upon the decision of the Home Inspection Licensing Board to withdraw such approval, the Home Inspection Licensing Board shall notify the applicant of the refusal and of such applicant's right to request a hearing within thirty days from the date of receipt of the notice of refusal.
(b) In the event the applicant requests a hearing within such thirty days, the Home Inspection Licensing Board shall give notice of the grounds for its refusal and shall conduct a hearing concerning such refusal in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 54 of the Connecticut General Statutes concerning contested matters.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
The applications for licensure, school approval and pre-licensing courses shall be made on forms prescribed and furnished by the Department of Consumer Protection.
(Adopted effective July 30, 2002)
(a) No more than two home inspector interns may be under the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector at any one site.
(b) All home inspector interns shall maintain a record in the form of a home inspection log prior to beginning and until completion of their service contract with each supervising home inspector.
(c) A copy of the home inspection log maintained by the intern shall also be kept by the supervising home inspector and shall, at a minimum, include the following information for each inspection: (1) Client name; (2) address of the property inspected; (3) description of the areas inspected; (4) indication of whether the supervision was either direct or indirect in nature; (5) date of the inspection; and (6) supervisor’s initials and license number.
(d) A home inspector intern shall complete all licensing requirements and apply for a home inspector license not later than four (4) years after issuance of a home inspector intern permit.
(e) If a home inspector intern does not complete all licensing requirements and does not apply for a license not later than four (4) years after issuance of an intern permit, the individual’s home inspector intern permit shall be rendered inactive. If a home inspector intern, or former intern whose permit has expired, demonstrates evidence of a bona fide health or other individual hardship, the Board may grant an extension of the period that such home inspector intern or former intern has to complete all home inspection licensure requirements and apply for a home inspector license. A home inspector intern who held a permit prior to December 1, 2020, shall have until December 1, 2024, to submit a complete home inspector license application to the department. A home inspector intern who held a permit prior to December 1, 2020, and who wishes to seek a home inspector license but fails to submit a complete application by December 1, 2024, shall appear before the Board and show good cause for an exception to the requirement to apply for the license not later than four (4) years after permit issuance.
(Adopted effective February 1, 2006; Amended November 1, 2023; Amended September 25, 2025)
(a) While performing inspection work, all home inspector interns shall be subject to supervision by a home inspector licensed pursuant to section 20-492a of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(b) The supervising licensed home inspector shall be responsible for the direct supervision of at least the first ten (10) of the intern's home inspections.
(c) “Direct supervision” means the supervising licensed home inspector shall be physically present and witness the home inspector intern conducting the home inspection in accordance with subsection (c) of section 20-493b of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(d) No more than one home inspector intern may be present during the indirect supervision requirement period at any one site. A home inspector intern shall not supervise the home inspection of another intern.
(e) Only one directly or indirectly supervised intern may receive credit towards the one hundred inspections requirement for any home inspection conducted at any one site.
(f) The supervising licensed home inspector shall:
(1) Accept legal responsibility for all home inspection work performed by such intern, including all resulting written inspection reports, inspection review reports, consulting reports and work product by signing and certifying that each report has been reviewed and is in compliance with this section and sections 20-491-1 to 20-491-27, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies;
(2) Review all aspects of the home inspector intern's inspection reports, inspection review reports, consulting reports, or work product;
(3) Inspect each residential property with the home inspector intern until completion of the first ten (10) home inspections required to be directly supervised have been completed in accordance with the competency provision of this section and sections 20-491-1 to 20-491-27, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies;
(4) Sign the home inspection log at the completion of each inspection performed by the home inspection intern;
(5) Maintain a separate copy of each home inspection log completed by each home inspector intern;
(6) Provide, upon request, the home inspector intern with copies of the inspection reports that the home inspector intern prepared;
(7) Sign a notification to the Board of the supervision of the home inspector intern. By signing the notification of supervision, the licensed home inspector agrees to assume the responsibilities and duties of a supervising home inspector as provided in chapter 400f of the Connecticut General Statutes and, this section and sections 20-491-1 to 20-491-27, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies;
(8) Cooperate with the department regarding matters related to all regulated activities;
(9) Notify the department on a form prescribed by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection of the termination of supervision of a home inspector intern not later than ten (10) days after such termination; and
(10) At least forty-eight (48) hours prior to a home inspection, the home inspector supervisor shall notify a client that a home inspection shall be performed by a home inspector intern.
(Adopted effective February 1, 2006; Amended November 1, 2023)