RICS Home Inspectors Register

A Home Information Pack (HIP) is now required for the majority of homes placed on the market with vacant possession on or after 14 December 2007. 

Anyone involved in marketing a home for sale in England and Wales must ensure that a HIP is in place and available to prospective purchasers, this includes estate agents, auctioneers, developers.  Read further information on the detailed requirements for HIPS.  

Under the Housing Act 2004, all Home Information Packs must be provided by a properly trained and certified Home Inspector.

RICS has been approved by government to operate a certification scheme for its members who wish to become qualified Home Inspectors.  The RICS Home Inspectors Register has been set up to regulate RICS members carrying out home condition reports and energy performance certificates for inclusion in home information packs.

The scheme provides ongoing monitoring and quality control that government requires to ensure that RICS member home inspectors meet prescribed standards.

Although RICS members are free to obtain their certification from any government  approved scheme, many find it most convenient to obtain certification through their own professional body.  RICS Regulation can provide a one stop shop for both Home Inspector certification and Domestic and Commercial Energy Assessor accreditation, alongside standard RICS regulatory matters.

Training

In 2005 RICS began offering the training element of the Home Inspector through SafeAs, its dedicated provider.  This unit operated successfully for 4 years, offering a full training programme for all RICS members.

However, this provision was withdrawn earlier this year following a downturn in demand for the courses. Since this time RICS members have been advised to seek alternative training via the Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE) www.abbeqa.co.uk.

The role of the certification scheme

The certification scheme will:

• Ensure that all Home Inspectors are fit and proper people
• Check the background of Home Inspectors, including carrying out a Criminal Records Bureau check
• Ensure that the Home Inspectors are qualified to carry out their duties
• Ensure that the Home Inspectors have insurance to meet the requirements specified by government
• Check the quality of the work produced by Home Inspectors and ensure that there is no drop in standards
• Have the power to suspend and cancel the membership of any Home Inspector whose work falls below acceptable standards or who does not adhere to a strict code of conduct
• Ensure that Home Inspectors deal with any complaints in a fair, quick and transparent manner
• Keep a public register of their members.