NEW Maryland Pre Licensing Training Requirement!

Effective October 1, 2008 the 48 hour minumum training requirement will increase to 72 hours of on-site training approved by the Maryland Commission of Real Estate Appraisers and Home Inspectors. In addition to the increase in trainging hours, home inspector license applicants will be required to complete the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE). Please view the DLLR website for more information. If you are in need of training, please visit the Home Inspector Training Academy to find information on our upcomming classes.

Rental Inspection Deadline! July, 1st

Baltimore County Council passed Bill 87-07 on December 19, 2007. The bill requires that “all buildings or a portion of a building that contain one to six dwelling units, intended, or designed to be rented, leased, let or be hired out to be occupied for living purposes be registered and licensed with Baltimore County.”

A home inspection is required to attain registration and license. The home must be inspected by a Licensed Maryland home inspector. The home inspection must be accompanied by the Inspection Sheet to be completed and signed by the inspector. The inspection is to ensure the compliance of one or more of the health and safety requirements.

Items necessary to pass inspection:

1. The presence of a hardwired and battery backed interconnected smoke detector that is operational (different configurations are required depending on the number of units within the building so please review the Inspection Sheet to determine which configuration is applicable to you).
2. Electrical wires may not be visible in living areas.
3. There must be hot and cold running water in both the kitchen and bathroom with no leaks below the sink area and the toilet must flush.
4. If there is a sleeping area in the basement there must be a secondary means of escape as follows: at least one basement window with a minimum 5.5 foot opening and a sill height of 44 inches or less from the floor OR a basement door with a thumb turn dead bolt.
5. The furnace must be either operational or because of outside temperatures it is unable to be tested.
6. A railing must be present for interior and exterior steps with more than 3 risers.
7. Finally, the inspection sheet allows the inspector to note any other readily observable problems that in the inspector’s opinion represent an immediate threat to the health or safety of an occupant.

PLEASE NOTE: To ensure a successful inspection, please make sure that each of the requirements are present and working prior to the inspection.

To apply for your license you will need:
1. A Completed application with all information printed, typed, checked, or circled as appropriate.
2. Applicable lead inspection certificate (see page 2 of application).
3. Completed rental license inspection sheet (completed by licensed home inspector) or “Registration Exemption Affidavit.”
4. Payment payable to “Baltimore County, Maryland” attached to payment coupon.

Forms may be filled in, printed, and all signatures must be original in blue ink.

The registration and licensing deadline is July 1, 2008.

Baltimore County Contact Information:
Code Enforcement at 410-887-3351 or e-mail: mailto:pdmenforce@baltimorecountymd.gov?subject=
FAQ - Rental Registration frequently asked questions.

Maryland Home Inspectors Code of Ethics

Click Here to download a (PDF) copy of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

09.36.06.01
.01 Responsibilities to the Public.
A home inspector shall:
A. Act as an impartial third party;
B. Discharge the home inspector's duties:
(1) With integrity and fidelity to the public;
(2) With fairness and objectivity to all parties; and
(3) Without bias to any party;
C. Always act in good faith towards a client;
D. Express an opinion only If it is based on practical experience and personal knowledge;
E. Promptly inform a client of any business association, interest, or circumstance that may influence the home inspector's judgment or the quality of the home inspector's inspection service to the client; and
F. Make every effort to up hold, maintain, and improve the professional practice, integrity, and reputation of the home inspection industry.

09.36.06.02
.02 Prohibitions.
A. A home inspector may not:
(1) Except under circumstances in which the safety, health, property, or welfare of the public is endangered, disclose any information concerning the results of an inspection without the approval of the client for whom the inspection was performed;
(2) Accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one interested party for the same service on the same property unless the home inspector makes full disclosure to all interested parties and obtains the consent of all interested parties; or
(3) Accept or offer a commission or allowance, directly or indirectly, to or from another party dealing with the client in connection with home inspection services for which the home inspector is responsible.
B. A home inspector may not:
(1) Sell or offer to sell products for the repair of defects or the correction of deficiencies disclosed during an inspection to the client for a period of 1year from the date of the inspection;
(2) Provide or offer to provide services to repair defects or correct deficiencies disclosed during an inspection for a period of 1year from the date of the inspection; or
(3) Express an appraisal or opinion of the market value of the inspected property within the context of the inspection.

09.36.06.03
.03 Additional Services.
A home inspector may provide additional inspection services to the client if the home inspector discloses to the client that the additional inspection services are not part of the home inspection.

09.36.06.04
.04 Conflicts of Interest.
A. A home inspector shall avoid conflicts of interest with a client or an owner of property that is subject to an inspection by the home inspector.
B. If a conflict appears unavoidable, the home inspector shall disclose promptly and fully all circumstances of the conflict to the client.

Maryland Home Inspectors Standards of Practice

Click Here to download a (PDF) copy of the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics

.04 Structural System.
A. A home inspector shall visually inspect the structural system, including the structural components including foundation and framing.
B. Probing.
(1) A home inspector shall probe a representative number of structural components where deterioration is suspected or where clear indications of possible deterioration exist.
(2) Probing is not required:
(a) If it will damage any finished surface; or
(b) Where no deterioration is visible.
C. A home inspector shall describe the structural system, including the:
(1)Foundation, and report the methods used to inspect the under-floor crawl spaces and basements;
(2) Floor structure;
(3)Wall structure;
(4)Ceiling structure; and
(5)Roof structure, and report the methods used to inspect the attic.
D. A home inspector is not required to:
(1) Provide any engineering service; or
(2) Offer an opinion as to the adequacy of any structural system or component.

.05 Exterior.
A. A home inspector shall visually inspect the home exterior, including:
(1) Exterior wall covering, flashing, and trim;
(2) All exterior doors;
(3) Attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and their associated railings;
(4) Eaves, soffits, and fascias that are accessible from the ground level;
(5)Vegetation, grading, surface drainage, and retaining walls on the property if any of these may adversely affect the building; and
(6) Walkways, patios, and driveways leading to dwelling entrances.
B. A home inspector shall describe the exterior wall covering.
C. A home inspector is not required to inspect any of the following:
(1) Screening, shutters, awnings, and similar seasonal accessories:
(2) Fences;
(3) Geological, geotechnical, or hydrological conditions;
(4) Recreational facilities;
(5) Outbuildings;
(6) Seawalls, break-walls, and docks; or
(7)Erosion control and earth stabilization measures.

.06 Roof System.
A. A home inspector shall visually inspect a roof system, including:
(1) The roof covering;
(2) Roof drainage systems;
(3) Flashings; and
(4) Skylights, chimneys, and exterior and roof penetrations.
B. A home inspector shall describe the roof covering and report the methods used to inspect the roof.
C. A home inspector is not required to:
(1) Inspect:
(a) Antennae;
(b) Interiors of flues or chimneys that are not readily accessible; or
(c) Other installed accessories;
(2) Walk on or access a roof where it could damage the roof or roofing material or be unsafe for the home inspector;
(3) Remove snow, ice, debris, or other conditions that prohibit the observation of the roof surfaces; or
(4) Determine:
(a) The remaining life expectancy of roof coverings;
(b) The presence or absence of hail damage;
(c) Manufacturer's defects;
(d) Installation methods; or
(e) The number of layers of roofing material.

.07 Plumbing System.
A .A home inspector shall visually inspect the plumbing system, including:
(1) Interior water supply and distribution systems, including all fixtures and faucets;
(2) Drain, waste, and vent systems, including all fixtures;
(3) Water heating equipment;
(4) Vent systems, flues, and chimneys;
(5) Fuel storage and fuel distribution systems;
(6) Drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related piping;
(7) The functional flow of all fixtures and faucets; and
(8) The functional drainage of all fixtures.
B. A home inspector shall describe the plumbing system, including:
(1) Water supply, drain, waste, and vent piping materials:
(2) Water heating equipment, including the energy source; and
(3) The location of main water and main fuel shut-off valves.
C. A home inspector is not required to:
(1) Inspect any of the following:
(a) Clothes washing machine connections;
(b) Interiors of flues or chimneys that are not readily accessible;
(c) Wells, well pumps, or water storage related equipment;
(d) Water conditioning systems;
(e) Solar water heating systems;
(f) Fire and lawn sprinkler systems; or
(g) Private waste disposal systems;
(2) Determine:
(a) Whether water supply and waste disposal systems are public or private; or
(b) The quantity or quality of the water supply; or
(3) Operate safety valves or shut-off valves.

.08 Electrical Systems.
A. A home inspector shall visually inspect an electrical system, including:
(1) The service drop;
(2) Service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways;
(3) Service equipment and main disconnects;
(4) Service grounding;
(5) Interior components of service panels and sub panels;
(6) Conductors;
(7) Over current protection devices;
(8) A representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles;
(9) Ground fault and arc fault circuit interrupters; and
(10) The general condition of visible branch circuit conductors that may constitute a hazard to the occupant or the structure by reason of improper use or installation of electrical components.
B. A home inspector shall describe the electrical system, including the:
(1) Amperage and voltage rating of the service;
(2) Location of main disconnect and sub panels; and
(3) Wiring methods.
C. If applicable, a home inspector shall include in a written report the:
(1) Presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring; and
(2) Absence of smoke detectors.
D. A home inspector is not required to:
(1) Inspect:
(a) Remote control devices, unless the device is the only control device;
(b) Alarm systems and components;
(c) Low voltage wiring systems and components ;or
(d) Ancillary wiring, systems, and components that are not a part of the primary electrical power distribution system; or
(2) Measure amperage, voltage, or impedance.

.09 Heating System.
A. A home inspector shall visually inspect:
(1) Installed heating equipment;
(2) Vent systems, flues, and chimneys; and
(3) Heating distribution.
B. A home inspector shall describe energy sources and heating methods by distinguishing characteristics and means of distribution.
C. A home inspector is not required to:
(1) Inspect:
(a) Flue or chimney interiors that are not readily accessible;
(b) Heat exchangers;
(c) Humidifiers or dehumidifiers;
(d) Electronic air filters; or
(e) Solar space heating systems; or
(2) Determine the adequacy of the heat system or the distribution balance.

.10Air-ConditioningSystem.
A.Ahomeinspectorshallinspecttheinstalledcentralandthrough-wallcoolingequipment.
B. A home inspector shall describe energy sources and cooling methods by distinguishing characteristics and means of distribution.
C. A home inspector is not required to:
(1) Inspect electronic air filters; or
(2) Determine the adequacy of the cooling system or the distribution balance.

.11Interior.
A. A home inspector shall visually inspect:
(1) Walls, ceilings, and floors;
(2) Steps, stairways, and railings;
(3) Counter tops and a representative number of installed cabinets;
(4) A representative number of doors and windows; and
(5) Garage doors and garage door operators.
B. A home inspector is not required to inspect:
(1) Paint, wallpaper, and other finish treatments;
(2) Carpeting;
(3) Window treatments;
(4) Central vacuum systems;
(5) Household appliances; or
(6) Recreational facilities.

.12 Insulation and Ventilation.
A. A home inspector shall visually inspect:
(1) Insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces;
(2) Ventilation of attics and foundation areas; and
(3) Mechanical ventilation systems.
B. A home inspector shall describe:
(1) Insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces; and
(2) If applicable, the absence of insulation in unfinished spaces at conditioned surfaces.
C. A home inspector is not required to:
(1) Disturb insulation or vapor retarders; or
(2) Determine indoor air quality.

.13 Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances.
A. A home inspector shall visually inspect:
(1) System components of fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances; and
(2) Vent systems, flues, and chimneys.
B. A home inspector shall describe:
(1) Fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances; and
(2) Chimneys.
C. A home inspector is not required to:
(1) Inspect any of the following:
(a) Interiors of flues or chimneys:
(b) Fire screens and doors;
(c) Seals and gaskets;
(d) Automatic fuel feed devices;
(e) Mantles and fireplace surrounds;
(f) Combustion make-up air devices; or
(g) Gravity-controlled and fan-assisted heat distribution assists;
(2) Ignite or extinguish fires;
(3) Determine draft characteristics; or
(4) Move fireplace inserts or stove or fire box contents.

Mandatory Rental Housing Inspections

Mandatory Rental Housing Inspections

The Baltimore County Council has made into law it’s initiative Bill to create a procedure to assist in enforcing county codes and regulations. The implementation of the law is to provide another aid to protect and promote public safety.

Baltimore County Council passed Bill 87-07 on December 19, 2007. The bill requires that “all buildings or a portion of a building that contain one to six dwelling units, intended, or designed to be rented, leased, let or be hired out to be occupied for living purposes be registered and licensed with Baltimore County.” The completion deadline for the registration and license is July 1, 2008.

The inspection for registration includes safety items such as smoke detectors, electrical systems, all functional plumbing, ensure windows are operational, proper ventilation of all combustion appliances (furnace, hot water heater, dryer), ensure there is a secondary means of escape from sleeping areas, and that there are no exterior safety hazards present.

These required forms must be returned together and signatures must be original in blue ink. To download the Rental Application Packet you may select all forms or individual forms as needed. The applications are in PDF format. To complete the forms: fill-in, print and sign.
1. A Completed application with all information printed, typed, checked, or circled as appropriate.
2. Applicable lead inspection certificate (see page 2 of application).
3. Completed rental license inspection sheet (completed by licensed home inspector) or “Registration Exemption Affidavit.”
4. Payment payable to “Baltimore County, Maryland” attached to payment coupon.

The registration and licensing deadline is July 1, 2008.

Contact Information
Code Enforcement at 410-887-3351 or e-mail: mailto:pdmenforce@baltimorecountymd.gov?subject=
FAQ - Rental Registration frequently asked questions.

Find a Maryland Licensed home inspector.

Baltimore County Maryland Government Webpage.

Home Stretch

January 1, 2008 is right around the corner. At that time licensing of Maryland home inspectors becomes mandatory. Penalties for operating without a license are severe.

It appears that the Standard of Practice and the Code of Ethics are in effect. Inspections performed in Maryland must, by law, be performed according to the SoP and in compliance with the CoE.

Another requirement of the license law is that the inspection report include some very specific disclosure language. The following statement must be included in the report in 14 point bold text.

An inspection is intended to assist in the evaluation of the overall condition of a building. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the building and its components on the date of the inspection.

The results of this home inspection are not intended to make any representation regarding latent or concealed defects that may exist, and no warranty or guaranty is expressed or implied.
If your home inspector is not a licensed structural engineer or other professional whose license authorizes the rendering of an opinion as to structural integrity of a building or the condition of its components or systems, you may wish to seek the professional opinion of a licensed structural engineer or other professional regarding any possible defects or other observations set forth in this report.

Only home inspections performed by Maryland licensed home inspectors will be recognized by the buyer as a valid home inspection under a real estate contract.

A Message from the Executive Director

Mr. Elwood Mosley, executive director of the DLLR Commission for Appraisers and Home Inspectors, has asked us to be aware of the potential bottleneck in the license approval process. As we near the January 1, 2008 deadline for the requirement that home inspectors in the state of Maryland be licensed, the rate at which applications are being received by the commission continues to rise.

Applicants are being encouraged to submit their applications as soon as practical. Those applicants who are enrolled in classes, can still submit all their other paperwork before finishing the class.

“Please,” requests Mr. Mosley, “don’t send documents to us one at a time. If, however, you have everything together except for your class completion certificate, go ahead and submit the application with all the required documentation. Then, simply send us the class certificate when you have it.”

Click here to download the application

Other documents required with the application include:

• $50 Application Fee


• Proof of high school graduation or equivalency


• Insurance Certificate


• Name DLLR as a certificate holder


• Name inspector as insured (not just the company)

In order to become a licensed home inspector, an applicant must complete an approved education program, have a high school diploma or equivalency and carry a minimum of $50,000 in liability insurance.

The cost of a home inspector license is $400.00 and is valid for two-years. In addition, a one-time $50.00 non-refundable application fee is required with the application.

As of January 1, 2008, it will be illegal to operate in Maryland without a valid Maryland Home Inspector's license. Violators will be subject to criminal charges, up to a one-year jail sentence and/or a $5,000 penalty.