Maryland Trade Practice Act enacted in 1992. Maryland law requires home inspectors to disclose professional qualifications and the scope of the inspection within the home inspection contract. The law also requires home inspectors to conduct home inspections in accordance with the standards of practice set forth by a professional home inspection trade association such as ASHI or the National Association of Home Inspectors.

Licensure (Chapter 470) enacted in 2001.

Maryland law created the State Commission of Real Estate Appraisers and Home Inspectors to regulate home inspectors in the state. The Commission is charged with establishing a code of ethics and standards of practice for licensed home inspectors, and providing a copy of such standards to each licensed home inspector. To qualify for licensure, an applicant for a home inspector license must: (1)   Complete the application and remit photocopies of course certificates reflecting your completion of seventy-two (72) hour of an on-site classroom-based training course approved by the Commission. (Minimum requirements:  72 hours of education which includes: observing and identifying defects in structural systems, roofing, insulation and ventilation, exterior and interior, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, electrical, fireplace and solid burning systems, Maryland Minimum Standards of Practice, Maryland Code of Ethics, and inspection report writing).  (2)   Provide evidence of having obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent;  (3)   Provide an examination score report verifying successful completion of the National Home Inspector Examination or its equivalent; and (4)   Remit a non-refundable application review fee in the amount of $50.00.  If your initial application is approved, you will be mailed an application and instructions that will allow you to proceed with the application process and to receive a license.  In order to receive a license you will be required to remit a license fee in the amount of $400.00, along with proof of having general liability insurance in the amount of at least $150,000.  Thereafter, you will be issued a license for a two year term.

For more information, contact the Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing at (410) 230-6165 phone or (410) 333-6314 fax.