Virginia Law

Chapter 40. Home Inspector Licensing Regulations

Part I
General

18VAC15-40-10. Definitions.

A. Section 54.1-500 of the Code of Virginia provides definitions of the following terms and phrases as used in this chapter:

"Board"

"Home inspection"

"Home inspector"

"Person"

"Residential building"

B. Section 54.1-517.2:1 of the Code of Virginia provides definitions of the following terms and phrases as used in 18VAC15-40-130:

"Bonding"

"Corrugated stainless steel tubing"

"Grounding"

C. The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless a different meaning is provided or is plainly required by the context:

"Address of record" means the address designated by the licensee to receive notices and correspondence from the board.

"Adjacent" means adjoining or within three feet of the residential building and that may affect the residential building.

"Applicant" means an individual who has submitted an application for licensure.

"Application" means a completed, board-prescribed form submitted with the appropriate fee and other required documentation.

"Client" means a person who engages the services of a home inspector for a home inspection.

"Compensation" means the receipt of monetary payment or other valuable consideration for services rendered.

"Contact hour" means 50 minutes of participation in a structured training activity.

"Course of construction inspection" means one or more inspections conducted during the construction of a new residential structure.

"CPE" means continuing professional education.

"Department" means the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

"Describe" means to report a system or component by its type or other observed significant characteristics to distinguish it from other systems or components.

"Direct supervision" means that a licensed home inspector is physically present on the premises at all times and is at all times responsible for compliance with this chapter.

"Financial interest" means financial benefit accruing to an individual or to a member of an individual's immediate family. Such interest shall exist by reason of (i) ownership in a business if the ownership exceeds 3.0% of the total equity of the business; (ii) annual gross income that exceeds or may be reasonably anticipated to exceed $2,000 from ownership in real or personal property or a business; (iii) salary, other compensation, fringe benefits, forgiveness of debt, or benefits from the use of property, or any combination of these, paid or provided by a person that exceeds or may be reasonably expected to exceed $2,000 annually; (iv) ownership of real or personal property if the interest exceeds $2,000 in value and excluding ownership in business, income, salary, other compensation, fringe benefits, or benefits from the use of property; (v) personal liability incurred or assumed on behalf of a business if the liability exceeds 3.0% of the asset value of the business; or (vi) an option for ownership of a business, real property, or personal property if the ownership interest will consist of clause (i) or (iv) of this definition.

"Fireplace" means an assembly consisting of a hearth and fire chamber of noncombustible material provided with a chimney for use with solid fuel.

"Foundation" means the element of a structure that connects to the ground and transfers loads from the structure to the ground. Foundations may be shallow or deep.

"Good working order" means, with respect to a smoke alarm inspected during a home inspection, that the smoke alarm is securely attached, not physically damaged, and operation of the test function is successful.

"Licensee" means a home inspector as defined in Chapter 5 (§ 54.1-500 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.

"Licensure" means a method of regulation whereby the Commonwealth, through the issuance of a license, authorizes a person possessing the character and minimum skills to engage in the practice of a profession or occupation that is unlawful to practice without such license.

"New residential structure" or "NRS" means a residential structure for which the first conveyance of record title to a purchaser has not occurred or the purchaser has not taken possession, whichever occurs later.

"NRS specialty" means a designation granted by the board to a home inspector that authorizes such licensee to conduct a home inspection on a new residential structure.

"Outbuilding" means any structure on the property that is more than three feet from the residential building and that may affect the residential building.

"Qualifying experience" means the experience used by a home inspector applicant to qualify for licensure.

"Readily accessible" means available for access without requiring moving or removing of any obstacles.

"Reinstatement" means the process and requirements through which an expired license can be made valid without the licensee having to apply as a new applicant.

"Renewal" means the process and requirements for periodically approving the continuance of a license.

"Residential structure" means a structure consisting of no more than two dwelling units or a townhouse.

"Smoke alarm" means (i) a single station or multiple station alarm responsive to smoke; or (ii) a "smoke detector" as used in Chapter 398 of the 2022 Acts of Assembly.

"Solid fuel-burning appliances" means chimney-connected devices that burn solid fuel for purposes of heating, cooking, or both. Such appliances include wood stoves, fireplace wood-burning inserts, wood pellet-burning appliances, or similar solid fuel-burning devices.

"Virginia Residential Code" means the provisions of the Virginia Construction Code (Part I (13VAC5-63-10 through 13VAC5-63-390) of 13VAC5-63) applicable to R-5 residential structures and includes provisions of the International Residential Code as amended by the Board of Housing and Community Development.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2011; Volume 33, Issue 14, eff. April 17, 2017; Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; Volume 33, Issue 26, eff. September 20, 2017; Volume 40, Issue 21, eff. August 1, 2024; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-20. Necessity for licensure.

A. It shall be unlawful for any individual who does not possess a license as a home inspector issued by the board to perform a home inspection.

B. A home inspection on a new residential structure, to include any course of construction inspection, shall only be conducted by a home inspector with the NRS specialty.

C. An individual who does not hold a license as a home inspector and who is only conducting inspections of a component or system of a residential building is not considered to be performing a home inspection.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

Part II
Entry

18VAC15-40-25. Application procedures.

A. All applicants seeking licensure must submit an application with the appropriate fee specified in 18VAC15-40-50. Application will be made on forms provided by the board or the board's agent.

1. By submitting the application to the department, the applicant certifies that the applicant has read and understands the applicable statutes and the board's regulations.

2. The receipt of an application and the deposit of fees by the board do not indicate approval of the application by the board.

B. The board may make further inquiries and investigations with respect to the applicant's qualifications to confirm or amplify information supplied. All applications must be completed in accordance with the instructions contained in this section. Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are received by the board.

C. The applicant will be notified within 30 days of the board's receipt of an initial application if the application is incomplete. An individual who fails to complete the application process within 12 months of receipt of the application in the board's office must submit a new application.

D. The applicant must immediately report all changes in information supplied with the application, if applicable, prior to issuance of the license or expiration of the application.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 40, Issue 21, eff. August 1, 2024; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-30. General requirements for licensure.

A. In addition to the provisions of 18VAC15-40-32, every applicant for a home inspector license must meet the requirements provided in this section.

B. The applicant must be at least 18 years old.

C. The applicant must provide an address, which will serve as the address of record. A post office box is only acceptable as the address of record when a physical address is also provided.

D. In accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia, each applicant must disclose the following information:

1. All misdemeanor convictions, except marijuana convictions, within three years of the date of the application; and

2. All felony convictions.

The board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant in accordance with § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia.

E. The applicant for licensure must be in compliance with the standards of conduct and practice set forth in Part V (18VAC15-40-140 through 18VAC15-40-180) of this chapter at the time of application, while the application is under review by the board, and at all times when the license is in effect.

F. The applicant must report any action taken by any board or administrative body in any jurisdiction against a professional or occupational license, certification, or registration issued to the applicant, to include any suspension, revocation, or surrender of a license, certification, or registration; imposition of a monetary penalty; or requirement to take remedial education or other corrective action. The board, in its discretion, may deny licensure to any applicant for any prior action taken by any board or administrative body in any jurisdiction. The applicant has the right to request further review of any such action by the board under the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

G. The applicant for licensure must submit evidence satisfactory to the board of having obtained general liability insurance with minimum limits of $250,000 per occurrence. A business liability insurance policy or a commercial general liability insurance policy with minimum limits of $250,000 may be considered to meet such requirement, so long as the applicant is listed as an additional insured. If for any reason the board cannot reasonably ensure that the applicant is sufficiently covered in accordance with this subsection, the board may require that requisite coverage be obtained in the name of the applicant. Proof of such insurance policy must be submitted in order to obtain the license.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2011; Volume 31, Issue 20, eff. August 1, 2015; Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; Volume 38, Issue 7, eff. December 22, 2021; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-32. Qualifications for licensure.

A. Qualifications for licensure. An applicant for licensure as a home inspector must furnish documentation acceptable to the board of the following:

1. The applicant has passed a board-approved examination. The National Home Inspector Examination provided by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors is the board-approved examination pursuant to § 54.1-517.2 A 2 c of the Code of Virginia.

2. A minimum of 15 qualifying points from a combination of the following education and experience, with a minimum of five points from each category in Tables 1 and 2. An applicant cannot be assigned points from multiple areas in each table for the same activity for which credit is being sought. Except as provided in Tables 1 and 2, an applicant cannot be assigned points multiple times for the same activity for which credit is being sought.

B. Qualifying experience. In order to be acceptable, qualifying experience must meet all of the following:

1. Experience must be verified by one or more of the following: licensed home inspector; qualified individual or responsible manager of a licensed contractor; or any combination of at least three licensed real estate professionals or clients.

2. An applicant's experience must have been gained by assisting a properly licensed or certified home inspector, as applicable, and under such home inspector's direct supervision or through the performance of home inspections as authorized under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction.

3. For the purposes of this part, experience requirements are expressed in terms of calendar periods of full-time employment.

a. A month of full-time qualifying experience is a minimum of 146 hours during a one-month period or a minimum of 18 workdays in a one-month period. More than 146 hours or 18 workdays during a one-month period will not be considered as more than one month of full-time employment.

b. Partial credit may be given for actual hours of qualifying experience if the applicant's experience was gained working less than full time.

C. Accredited colleges or universities and verification procedures. An applicant seeking to qualify for licensure based on completion of a class from an accredited college or university must submit an official transcript from the school where the applicable class was completed. Only classes from an accredited college or university that is approved or accredited by a regional or national accreditation association or an accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education will be considered. An applicant seeking to qualify for licensure based on working or teaching at an accredited college or university must submit evidence satisfactory to the board of employment by the college or university. Only employment with an accredited college or university that is approved or accredited by a regional or national accreditation or an accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education will be considered.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-33. Examination conduct.

Procedures and appropriate conduct established by the board or examination organization administering the examination approved by the board, or both, must be followed by the applicant. Such procedures include written instructions communicated prior to the examination date and instructions communicated at the site on the date of the examination. Failure to comply with all procedures established by the board or the examination organization with regard to conduct at the examination will be grounds for denial of the application.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-34. Individuals certified or licensed in another jurisdiction; eqivalency to Virginia home inspector requirements.

A. The board may waive the requirements of 18VAC15-40-32 for an applicant who holds an active, current license or certificate as a home inspector in another state, the District of Columbia, or any other territory or possession of the United States provided the requirements and standards under which the license or certificate was issued are substantially equivalent to those established in this chapter.

B. In considering qualifications pursuant to 18VAC15-40-32, the board may consider experience gained under a licensed (however denominated) home inspector in another state provided the requirements and standards under which the home inspector was licensed are substantially equivalent to those established in this chapter.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017.

18VAC15-40-35. Qualifications for the new residential structure specialty.

To obtain the NRS specialty, the applicant must submit the appropriate application form and fee pursuant to 18VAC15-40-50 and meet the following qualifications:

1. Hold a current and valid home inspector license. An applicant who does not hold a current and valid home inspector license must apply for such licensure and meet the requirements contained in 18VAC15-40-30 and 18VAC15-40-32.

2. Submit proof of successful completion of an NRS training module approved by the board pursuant to Part VI (18VAC15-40-200 through 18VAC15-40-300) of this chapter and completed no more than two years prior to the date of application.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 38, Issue 12, eff. March 2, 2022; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-40. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017.

18VAC15-40-45. Application denial.

The board may refuse initial licensure due to an applicant's failure to comply with entry requirements or for any of the reasons it may discipline a licensee. The applicant has the right to request further review of any such action by the board under the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2.-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017.

18VAC15-40-48. General fee requirements.

All fees are nonrefundable and will not be prorated. The date on which the fee is received by the department or the department's agent will determine whether the fee is on time. Checks or money orders must be made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-50. Fees.

The following table lists fees:

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2011; Volume 31, Issue 20, eff. August 1, 2015; Volume 33, Issue 14, eff. April 17, 2017; Volume 34, Issue 8, eff. February 1, 2018; Volume 36, Issue 9, eff. February 1, 2020; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-52. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 31, Issue 20, eff. August 1, 2015; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 14, eff. April 17, 2017.

Part III
Renewal and Reinstatement of License

18VAC15-40-60. Renewal required.

Licenses issued under this chapter will expire two years from the last day of the month in which they were issued.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-70. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2011.

18VAC15-40-72. Continuing professional education required for home inspector licensure.

A. Each licensee must complete 16 contact hours of continuing professional education (CPE) during each license renewal cycle. CPE can be met through classroom instruction, distance learning, or online education technology.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of 18VAC15-40-75, the subject matter addressed during CPE contact hours is limited to the content areas covered by the board's approved examination and the list of acceptable topics provided in 18VAC15-40-73.

C. The licensee will not receive CPE credit for the same training course more than once during a single license renewal cycle.

D. A licensee who completes the initial training module required by 18VAC15-40-35 to obtain an NRS specialty may count completion of the module toward the required 16 hours of CPE credit for that renewal cycle.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-73. Acceptable topics for continuing professional education.

A. The following topics will be accepted for CPE credit, all as related to home inspection services:

1. Site conditions;

2. Exterior components;

3. Roof components;

4. Structural components;

5. Electrical systems;

6. Cooling systems;

7. Heating systems;

8. Insulation, moisture management systems, and ventilation systems;

9. Mechanical exhaust systems;

10. Plumbing systems;

11. Interior components;

12. Fireplaces, fuel-burning appliances, chimney, and vent systems;

13. Common permanently installed kitchen appliances;

14. Home inspection reporting requirements;

15. Responsibilities to the client, including required home inspection contract elements;

16. Laws and regulations applicable to the profession; and

17. Content areas covered by the board's approved examination.

B. In addition to the topics provided in subsection A of this section, a licensee may receive a maximum of four contact hours of CPE credit for completion of training required to maintain credentials related to home inspection services, including asbestos inspection, lead inspection, and radon testing.

C. A licensee may apply completion of the NRS CPE course, as applicable, toward the 16 contact hours of CPE required for license renewal.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-75. Board-approved new residential structure update continuing professional education course required to maintain new residential structure specialty.

A. In addition to the CPE requirements of 18VAC15-40-72, to maintain the NRS specialty, the licensee must submit proof of completion of a board-approved NRS CPE course.

B. A licensee who has taken the initial NRS training module pursuant to subdivision 2 of 18VAC15-40-35 no more than one year before the expiration date on the license will not require proof of the NRS CPE course for that renewal. All other requirements for renewal must be met in order to renew the license and the home inspector is still required to have completed all other CPE requirements pursuant to this chapter.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-76. Continuing professional education for instructors.

A licensee may receive CPE credit for teaching a course that otherwise meets the requirements of this chapter; however, additional credit will not be given for subsequent offerings of a course or activity with the same content within the same licensing cycle. In addition, a licensee may receive two hours of CPE no more than once during a single licensing cycle for the initial development or substantial updating of a CPE course.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-78. Maintenance of continuing professional education records.

A. Each licensee must maintain evidence of the satisfactory completion of CPE for at least three years following the end of the license renewal cycle for which the CPE was taken. Such documentation must be provided to the board or the board's duly authorized agents upon request. The following will be maintained by the licensee to document completion of the hours of CPE specified in 18VAC15-40-72:

1. Evidence of completion that contains the name, address, and contact information of the training provider;

2. The dates the licensee participated in the training;

3. Descriptive material of the subject matter presented documenting that the subject matter covers the content areas covered by the board's examination or the list of acceptable topics provided in 18VAC15-40-73; and

4. A statement from the provider verifying the number of CPE contact hours completed.

B. The board may conduct an audit of its licensees to ensure compliance with the applicable CPE requirements. Licensees who are selected for audit must provide the necessary documentation stipulated in this section.

C. The licensee may request additional time to meet the CPE requirement; however, CPE hours earned during a license renewal cycle to satisfy the CPE requirement of the preceding license renewal cycle will be valid only for that preceding license renewal cycle.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-80. Procedures for renewal.

A. Prior to the expiration date shown on the license, the board will send a renewal notice to the licensee's address of record.

B. Prior to the expiration date shown on the license, a licensee desiring to renew a license must submit to the board (i) a completed renewal application, (ii) proof of insurance required by 18VAC15-40-30, (iii) proof of completion of CPE, in accordance with 18VAC15-40-72, and (iv) the appropriate fee specified in 18VAC15-40-50.

C. In addition to the requirements of subsection B of this section, a licensee with the NRS specialty must submit proof of completion of four hours of board-approved NRS CPE, in accordance with 18VAC15-40-75.

D. Failure to receive the renewal notice does not relieve the licensee of the obligation to renew. The date on which the renewal application is received by the department or the department's agent will determine whether the renewal application was received on time.

E. By submitting the renewal application, the licensee is affirming that the licensee is in continued compliance with this chapter.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2011; Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-85. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2011; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017.

18VAC15-40-90. Reinstatement.

A. If the requirements for renewal of a license, as provided in 18VAC15-40-80, are not completed by the licensee within 30 days after the expiration date on the license, reinstatement of the license will be required.

B. A license may be reinstated for up to two years following the expiration date upon submittal of the reinstatement application consisting of (i) payment of the reinstatement fee, (ii) proof of insurance required by 18VAC15-40-30, (iii) proof of CPE in accordance with 18VAC15-40-72, and (iv) proof of CPE to maintain the NRS specialty, if applicable. After two years, the license will not be reinstated under any circumstances, and the individual must apply as a new applicant and meet entry requirements current at the time of submittal of the new application.

C. By submitting the reinstatement application, the individual is affirming continued compliance with this chapter.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2011; Volume 31, Issue 15, eff. May 1, 2015; Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-100. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2011.

18VAC15-40-105. Status of licensee during the period prior to reinstatement.

A. A licensee who reinstates a license will be regarded as having been continuously licensed without interruption; will remain under the disciplinary authority of the board during this entire period; and will be held accountable for the licensee's activities during this period.

B. Any regulated activity conducted subsequent to the license expiration date may constitute unlicensed activity and be subject to prosecution under Chapter 1 (§ 54.1-100 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-107. Board discretion to deny renewal or reinstatement.

The board may deny renewal or reinstatement of a license for the same reasons as the board may refuse initial licensure or discipline a licensee. The licensee has the right to request further review of any such action by the board under the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017.

18VAC15-40-108. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-110. (Repealed.)

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2011.

Part IV
Minimum Standards for Conducting Home Inspections

18VAC15-40-120. Home inspection contract.

A. For the protection of both the client and the licensee, both parties must sign a legible, written contract clearly specifying the terms, conditions, and limitations and exclusions of the work to be performed. Prior to the commencement of work or acceptance of payments, the contract must be signed by both (i) the client or the client's authorized representative and (ii) the licensee. The licensee must promptly deliver to the client or client's authorized representative a fully executed copy of the contract in compliance with this section before work begins. Any modification to the contract that changes the cost, scope of work to be performed, or estimated completion date must be in writing and signed by all parties.

B. At a minimum, the written contract must include:

1. The following information applicable to the home inspector:

a. Name;

b. Business name, if applicable;

c. Address;

d. Telephone number, email address, or other contact information, as applicable; and

e. License number and notation of NRS specialty, if applicable.

2. Name of the client.

3. Physical address of the residential building or NRS to be inspected.

4. Cost of the home inspection.

5. A listing of all areas and systems to be inspected.

6. A statement that the home inspection does not include a review for compliance with regulatory requirements (Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code or other codes, regulations, laws, or ordinances).

7. A statement disclosing any exclusions to the home inspection. Such exclusions may include the following:

a. The condition of systems or components that are not readily accessible.

b. The remaining life of any system or component.

c. The strength, adequacy, effectiveness, or efficiency of any system or component.

d. The causes of any condition or deficiency.

e. The methods, materials, or costs of corrections.

f. Future conditions, including failure of systems and components.

g. The suitability of the property for any specialized use.

h. The market value of the property or its marketability.

i. The advisability of the purchase of the property.

j. The presence of diseases harmful to humans or potentially hazardous plants or animals, including wood-destroying organisms and mold.

k. The presence of any environmental hazards, including toxins, carcinogens, noise, asbestos, lead-based paint, mold, radon, and contaminants in soil, water, and air.

l. The effectiveness of any system installed or methods utilized to control or remove suspected hazardous substances.

m. The operating costs of systems or components.

n. The acoustical properties of any system or component.

o. The presence of components involved in manufacturer's recalls.

p. The inspection of outbuildings.

8. Estimated delivery date of the home inspection report to the client.

9. Dated signatures of both the home inspector and the client or the client's authorized representative.

10. A statement providing that any modification to the contract that changes the cost, scope of work to be performed, or estimated completion date must be in writing and signed by all parties.

11. Disclosure of the cancellation rights of the parties.

12. A general statement on the limits of the home inspector's liability.

C. The home inspection contract must make written disclosure that the home inspection report is (i) based upon visual observation of existing conditions of the inspected residential building or NRS at the time of the inspection, and (ii) not intended to be, or to be construed as, a guarantee, warranty, or any form of insurance. This provision does not prevent a home inspector from offering a separate guarantee, warranty, or any form of insurance if the home inspector so chooses.

D. The requirements of 18VAC15-40-130 D regarding smoke alarms will not be excluded from the home inspection contract.

E. The home inspection contract must disclose any financial interest that the licensee has or reasonably expects to have with any person whom the licensee recommends to the client for the repairs or modifications to the residential building or NRS.

F. If the home inspector has designed or performed repairs or modifications to the residential building or NRS to be inspected within the preceding 12 months, the home inspection contract must disclose to the client the specifics of the repairs or modifications the home inspector designed or performed .

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2011; Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; Volume 40, Issue 21, eff. August 1, 2024; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-130. Home inspection report.

A. A home inspection report is a written evaluation of the readily accessible components of a residential building or NRS, including heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems; structural components; foundation; roof; masonry structure; exterior and interior components; and other related residential housing components.

B. Home inspection reports must contain:

1. Information pertaining to the licensee, including:

a. Name;

b. Address;

c. Telephone number, email address, or other contact information, as applicable; and

d. License number and expiration date, to be followed by "NRS" if so designated and performing a home inspection on a new residential structure;

2. The name and contact information of the client or the client's authorized representative;

3. The physical address of the residential building or NRS inspected; and

4. The date; time, to include both start and finish times of the home inspection; and weather conditions at the time of the home inspection.

C. In conducting a home inspection and reporting its findings, the home inspector must inspect the condition of and must describe in writing the composition and characteristics of the following readily accessible components and readily observable defects of the residential building or NRS, except as may be limited by the home inspection contract:

1. Structural system.

a. Foundation.

b. Framing.

c. Stairs.

d. Crawl space. The method of inspecting the crawl space must be noted and explained.

e. Crawl space ventilation and vapor barriers.

f. Slab floor.

g. Floors.

h. Ceilings.

i. Walls.

2. Roof structure, attic, and insulation systems and components.

a. Roof covering. The method of inspecting the roof covering must be noted and explained.

b. Roof ventilation.

c. Roof drainage system, to include gutters and downspouts.

d. Roof flashings, if readily visible.

e. Skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations, but not antennae or other roof attachments.

f. Roof framing and sheathing.

g. Attic.

h. Attic insulation.

3. Exterior systems and components.

a. Wall covering, flashing, and trim.

b. Doors and windows. This does not include the operation of associated security locks, devices, or systems.

c. Decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, attached garages, carports, and any associated railings that are adjacent to the residential building or NRS and on the same property. This does not include associated screening, shutters, awnings, storm windows, detached garages, or storm doors.

d. Eaves, soffits, and fascias where readily accessible from ground level.

e. Walkways, grade steps, patios, and driveways. This does not include fences or privacy walls.

f. Vegetation, trees, grading, drainage, and retaining walls adjacent to the residential building or NRS.

g. Visible exterior portions of chimneys.

4. Interior NRS systems and components.

a. Interior walls, ceilings, and floors of the residential building or NRS and any adjacent garage.

b. Steps, stairways, railings, and balconies and associated railings.

c. Countertops and installed cabinets, including hardware.

d. Doors and windows. This does not include the operation of associated security locks, devices, or systems.

e. Garage doors and permanently mounted and installed garage door operators. The automatic safety reverse function of garage door openers must be tested, either by physical obstruction as specified by the manufacturer or by breaking the beam of the electronic photo eye but only when the test can be safely performed and will not risk damage to the door, the opener, any nearby structure, or any stored items.

f. Fireplaces, venting systems, hearths, dampers, and fireboxes. This does not include mantles, fire screens and doors, or seals and gaskets.

g. Solid fuel-burning appliances.

5. Plumbing system.

a. Interior water supply and distribution systems, including water supply lines and all fixtures and faucets. This does not include water conditioning systems or fire sprinkler systems.

b. Water drainage, waste, and vent systems, including all associated fixtures.

c. Drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related piping.

d. Water heating equipment, including energy source and related vent systems, flues, and chimneys. This does not include solar water heating systems.

e. Fuel storage and distribution systems.

6. Electrical system.

a. Service drop.

b. Service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways.

c. Service equipment and main disconnects.

d. Service grounding.

e. Interior components of service panels and sub panels, including feeders.

f. Conductors.

g. Overcurrent protection devices.

h. Installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles.

i. Ground fault circuit interrupters.

j. Presence or absence of smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors.

k. Presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring.

l. Arc fault interrupters must be noted if installed but not tested if equipment is attached to them.

7. Heating system.

a. Heating equipment, including operating controls. This does not include heat exchangers, gas logs, built-in gas burning appliances, grills, stoves, space heaters, solar heating devices, or heating system accessories such as humidifiers, air purifiers, motorized dampers, and heat reclaimers.

b. Energy source.

c. Heating distribution system.

d. Vent systems, flues, and chimneys, including dampers.

8. Air conditioning system.

a. Central and installed wall air conditioning equipment.

b. Operating controls, access panels, and covers.

c. Energy source.

d. Cooling distribution system.

D. To the extent that a component or system cannot be inspected, the home inspection report must identify such component or system and provide an explanation for why the component or systems was not inspected.

E. Systems in the home that are turned off, winterized, or otherwise secured so that they do not respond to normal activation using standard operating controls need not be put into operating condition. The home inspection report must state the reason these systems or components were not inspected.

F. For any smoke alarms that are readily accessible in the residential building or NRS, the home inspection report must include a determination of whether the smoke alarms are in good working order as defined in 18VAC15-40-10.

1. A home inspector is not required to operate the test function of a smoke alarm if the smoke alarm is part of a central alarm system or security system in which such testing will automatically alert a fire department or other authority. To the extent the home inspector is unable to determine whether testing will cause an automatic alert, the home inspector is not required to operate the test function of the smoke alarm.

2. If a smoke alarm is not readily accessible or there are any limitations in determining whether it is in good working order, the home inspection report must state that it is not readily accessible or describe such limitations, as applicable.

3. The home inspection report must include the substance of the following: It is recommended that a home have smoke alarms on each level of the dwelling and in every bedroom or sleeping area. Clients should replace any existing smoke alarms that are not in good working order with new ones and install smoke alarms where they may be missing or not properly located. Any test of a smoke alarm during a home inspection only reflects its condition at the time of inspection and is not a guarantee, warranty, or any form of insurance. A test performed during the home inspection does not supersede the smoke alarm manufacturer's testing recommendations. Clients should follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper placement, installation, and maintenance.

G. In accordance with § 54.1-517.2:1 of the Code of Virginia, if a home inspector observes the presence of any shade of yellow corrugated stainless steel tubing during a home inspection in a home that was built prior to the adoption of the 2006 Virginia Construction Code, effective May 1, 2008, the home inspector shall include that observation in the report along with the following statement: "Manufacturers believe that this product is safer if properly bonded and grounded as required by the manufacturer's installation instructions. Proper bonding and grounding of the product should be determined by a contractor licensed to perform the work in the Commonwealth of Virginia."

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2011; Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; Volume 33, Issue 26, eff. September 20, 2017; Volume 40, Issue 21, eff. August 1, 2024; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

Part V
Standards of Conduct and Practice

18VAC15-40-140. Conflict of interest.

A. The licensee will not:

1. Design or perform repairs or modifications to a residential building or NRS on which the licensee has performed a home inspection within 12 months after the date the licensee performed the home inspection, except in cases where the home inspector purchased the residence after the home inspection was performed;

2. Perform a home inspection of a residential building or NRS upon which the licensee has designed or performed repairs or modifications within the preceding 12 months without disclosing to the client in the home inspection contract the specifics of the repairs or modifications the licensee designed or performed;

3. Refer the licensee's client to another person to make repairs or modifications to a residential building or NRS on which the licensee has performed a home inspection unless, in accordance with 18VAC15-40-120 D, the licensee provides written documentation to the licensee's client that clearly discloses any financial interest that the licensee has or reasonably expects to have with the person who is recommended for the repairs or modifications;

4. Represent the interests, either personally or through employment, of any of the parties to the transfer or sale of a residential building or NRS on which the licensee has performed a home inspection without disclosing such fact to the client; or

5. Perform a home inspection of a residential building or NRS under a contingent agreement whereby any compensation or future referrals are dependent on the reported findings or on the sale of the property.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of 18VAC15-40-180, the licensee must not disclose any information concerning the results of the home inspection without the approval of the client for whom the home inspection was performed. However, the licensee may disclose information in situations where there is an imminent endangerment to life or health.

C. The licensee must not accept compensation from more than one interested party for the home inspection on the same property without the consent of all interested parties.

D. The licensee must not accept nor offer commissions or allowances, directly or indirectly, from other parties dealing with the client in connection with the home inspection. Additionally, the licensee must not enter into any financial relationship with any party that may compromise the licensee's commitment to the best interest of the licensee's client.

E. A home inspector may provide services to a client in addition to a home inspection. The home inspector must disclose to the client the additional services to be performed and how such services may conflict with the home inspection. The disclosure must be in writing and may be incorporated into the home inspection contract or contained in a separate written agreement with the client. Any additional services performed pursuant to this subsection must be performed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

F. The home inspection must not be used as a pretext by the licensee to solicit or obtain work in another field, except for additional diagnostic inspections or testing.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2011; Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-145. Competency for assignments.

A. The licensee must undertake to perform professional assignments only when qualified by education or experience, or both.

B. A licensee must not misrepresent to a prospective or existing client or employer the licensee's qualifications or the scope of the licensee's responsibility in connection with a home inspection.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-150. Grounds for disciplinary action.

The board has the power to reprimand, fine, revoke, or suspend a license in accordance with § 54.1-516 of the Code of Virginia when the licensee has been found to have violated or cooperated with others in violating any provision of the regulations of the board or Chapter 1 (§ 54.1-100 et seq.), 2 (§ 54.1-200 et seq.), 3 (§ 54.1-300 et seq.), or 5 (§ 54.1-500 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-152. Notice of adverse action.

A. A licensee must notify the board of the following actions against the licensee:

1. Any disciplinary action taken by any jurisdiction, board, or administrative body of competent jurisdiction, including any (i) reprimand; (ii) license or certificate revocation, suspension, or denial; (iii) monetary penalty; (iv) requirement for remedial education; or (v) other corrective action.

2. Any voluntary surrendering of a related license, certificate, or registration done in connection with a disciplinary action in another jurisdiction.

3. Any conviction, finding of guilt, or plea of guilty, regardless of adjudication or deferred adjudication, in any jurisdiction of the United States of any misdemeanor, except marijuana convictions, or felony for which there is no appeal pending or the time for appeal has lapsed. Review of convictions shall be subject to the requirements of § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia.

B. The notice must be made to the board in writing within 30 days of the action. A copy of the order or other supporting documentation must accompany the notice.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 38, Issue 7, eff. December 22, 2021; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-155. Prohibited acts.

The following acts are prohibited and any violation may result in disciplinary action by the board:

1. Violating, including inducing another to violate, cooperating with another to violate, or combining or conspiring with or acting as agent, partner, or associate for another to violate any of the provisions of Chapter 1 (§ 54.1-100 et seq.), 2 (§ 54.1-200 et seq.), 3 (§ 54.1-300 et seq.), or 5 (§ 54.1-500 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia or any of the regulations of the board.

2. Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license by false or fraudulent representation; or maintaining, renewing, or reinstating a license by false or fraudulent representation.

3. Failing to maintain the insurance policy required pursuant to 18VAC15-40-30 G.

4. Failing to report a change or maintain records pursuant to 18VAC15-40-160.

5. Having been convicted or found guilty in any jurisdiction or disciplined by any jurisdiction, board, or administrative body in any jurisdiction of any offense or violation enumerated in 18VAC15-40-152. Review of convictions will be subject to the requirements of § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia.

6. Failing to inform the board in writing within 30 days that the licensee was convicted or found guilty, in any jurisdiction or disciplined by any jurisdiction, board, or administrative body of any offense or violation enumerated in 18VAC15-40-152.

7. Failing to use a contract that complies with 18VAC15-40-120.

8. Failing to produce a home inspection report that complies with 18VAC15-40-130.

9. Failing to comply with the requirements of 18VAC15-40-140.

10. Committing an action that constitutes negligence, incompetence, or misconduct in the practice of the profession, including:

a. Having performed a home inspection when not qualified by training or experience to competently perform any part of the home inspection.

b. Failing to demonstrate reasonable care, judgment, or application of the required knowledge, skill, and ability in the performance of the licensee's duties.

c. Conducting a home inspection on any new residential structure without the NRS specialty issued by the board.

d. Having cited, stated, or represented that there exists a violation of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-63) in a home inspection report or other document prepared relative to a home inspection.

e. Advising a client as to whether the client should or should not engage in a real estate transaction or providing an opinion of value regarding the residential building or NRS that is the subject of the home inspection.

f. Failing to adequately supervise and review work by unlicensed individuals who are gaining experience under the direct supervision of the licensee.

11. Committing an action that constitutes engaging in improper, fraudulent, or dishonest conduct, including:

a. Making any misrepresentation or making a false promise that might influence, persuade, or induce.

b. Knowingly misrepresenting factual information in expressing a professional opinion.

c. Intentionally and without justification failing to complete work contracted for or to comply with the terms in the contract.

d. Retaining or misapplying funds paid for which work is either not performed or performed only in part.

12. Allowing a license issued by the board to be used by another.

13. Failing to comply with the requirements of 18VAC15-40-180.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-160. Maintenance of licenses, reports, and documentation.

A. The licensee must at all times keep the board informed of the licensee's current address of record, to include the physical address, as applicable. Changes of address must be reported to the board in writing within 30 calendar days after such change. A post office box is acceptable as the address of record only when a physical address is also provided. The board will not be responsible for the licensee's failure to receive notices, communications, and correspondence caused by the licensee's failure to promptly notify the board of any change of address.

B. The licensee must notify the board in writing of a name change within 30 calendar days of any change in the licensee's legal name. Such notification must be accompanied by a copy of a marriage license, divorce decree, court order, or other documentation that verifies the name change.

C. The licensee must retain all records pertaining to home inspections performed to include written reports and supporting documentation for a period of three years from the date of the related home inspection.

D. The licensee must report the cancellation, amendment, expiration, or any other change of the insurance policy submitted in accordance with 18VAC15-40-30 G within 30 days of the change.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-170. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017.

18VAC15-40-180. Response to inquiry of the board.

A. A licensee must respond within 10 days to a request by the board or any of the board's agents regarding any complaint filed with the department.

B. Unless otherwise specified by the board, a licensee of the board must produce to the board or any of the board's agents within 10 days of the request any document, book, or record concerning any transaction pertaining to a complaint filed in which the licensee was involved or for which the licensee is required to maintain records. The board may extend such timeframe upon a showing of extenuating circumstances prohibiting delivery within such 10-day period.

C. A licensee must not provide a false, misleading, or incomplete response to the board or any of the board's agents seeking information in the investigation of a complaint filed with the board.

D. With the exception of the requirements of subsections A and B of this section, a licensee must respond to an inquiry by the board or the board's agent within 21 days.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-190. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 2011; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017.

Part VI
Approval of Prelicense Education Courses, New Residential Structures Training Module, and New Residential Structures Continuing Professional Education

18VAC15-40-200. Prelicense education courses, new residential structures training modules, and new residential structures continuing professional education courses....

All prelicense education courses, NRS training modules, and NRS CPE courses proposed for the purposes of meeting the requirements of this chapter must be approved by the board. Prelicense education courses and training modules may be approved retroactively upon request of the provider with the application; however, no applicant will receive credit until such approval is granted by the board.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 14, eff. April 17, 2017.

18VAC15-40-210. Approval of prelicense education courses.

A training provider seeking approval of a prelicense education course must submit an application for prelicense education course approval on a form provided by the board. In addition to the appropriate fee provided in 18VAC15-40-50, the application must include:

1. The name of the provider;

2. Provider contact person, address, and contact information;

3. Course contact hours;

4. Schedule of prelicense education courses if established, including dates, times, and locations;

5. Method of delivery;

6. Instructor information, including name, license number, if applicable, and a list of trade-appropriate designations, as well as a professional resume with a summary of teaching experience and subject matter knowledge and qualifications acceptable to the board;

7. Materials to be provided to students; and

8. Training module syllabus.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 14, eff. April 17, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-220. Prelicense education course requirements.

A prelicense education course must be a minimum of 35 hours. The syllabus for each type of prelicense education course must encompass the following subject areas and include methods for identification and inspection, safety and maintenance, and standards for material selection and installation procedures, as applicable:

1. Site conditions;

2. Exterior components of the residential building;

3. Structural system elements;

4. Electrical system elements;

5. Heating and cooling systems;

6. Insulation, moisture management systems, and ventilation systems;

7. Plumbing systems;

8. Interior components;

9. Fireplace and chimney systems;

10. Common permanently installed appliances;

11. Inspection report requirements;

12. Responsibilities to the client, including required contract elements; and

13. Overview of the board's regulations.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 14, eff. April 17, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-230. Approval of new residential structures training modules and new residential structures continuing professional education.

A training provider seeking approval of an NRS training module or NRS CPE course must submit an application for NRS training module or NRS CPE course approval on a form provided by the board. NRS training modules and NRS CPE can be provided in a classroom environment, online, or through distance learning. In addition to the appropriate fee provided in 18VAC15-40-50, the application must include:

1. The name of the provider;

2. Provider contact person, address, and contact information;

3. Module or CPE course contact hours;

4. Schedule of training module or CPE course if established, including dates, times, and locations;

5. Method of delivery;

6. Instructor information, including name, license number, if applicable, and a list of trade-appropriate designations, as well as a professional resume with a summary of teaching experience and subject matter knowledge and qualifications acceptable to the board;

7. Materials to be provided to students; and

8. Training module syllabus.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 14, eff. April 17, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-240. New residential structures training module requirements.

A. In order to qualify as an NRS training module under 18VAC15-40-35, the training module must include a minimum of eight contact hours, and the syllabus must encompass all of the subject areas set forth in subsection B of this section.

B. The following subject areas as they relate to the Virginia Residential Code must be included in all NRS training modules. The time allocated to each subject area must be sufficient to ensure adequate coverage of the subject as determined by the board.

1. Origin of the Virginia Residential Code.

a. Overview of Title 36 of the Code of Virginia.

b. Roles and responsibilities of the Board of Housing and Community Development and the Department of Housing and Community Development.

c. Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, Part I (13VAC5-63-10 through 13VAC5-63-390) of 13VAC5-63.

2. Scope of the Virginia Residential Code.

a. Purpose of the Virginia Residential Code.

b. Exemptions from the Virginia Residential Code.

c. Compliance alternatives.

d. Code official discretion in administration and enforcement of the Virginia Residential Code.

e. Process for amending the Virginia Residential Code.

f. Code violations and enforcement.

(1) Statute of limitations.

(2) Effect of violations.

g. Examples of code and non-code violations.

3. Roles of the building code official and the home inspector, including an overview of § 36-105 of the Code of Virginia.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 14, eff. April 17, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2017; Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-250. New residential structures training modules and new residential structures continuing professional education requirements.

In order to qualify for NRS CPE for the renewal of home inspector licenses with the NRS specialty, the NRS CPE must include a minimum of four contact hours and the syllabus must encompass all of the topic areas listed in 18VAC15-40-240 for an NRS training module.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 14, eff. April 17, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-260. Documentation of prelicense education courses, new residential structures training modules, and new residential structures continuing professional education completion requirements.

All prelicense education course, NRS training module, and NRS CPE providers must provide each student who successfully completes the course or training module with a certificate of completion or other documentation that the student may use as proof of course or training module completion. Such documentation must contain the contact hours completed, the date of training, and the course identification number assigned by the board.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 14, eff. April 17, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-270. Maintenance of records.

All providers of approved prelicense education courses, NRS training modules, or NRS CPE courses must establish and maintain a record for each student. The record must include the student's name and address, the training module or course name and hours attended, the training module or course syllabus or outline, the names of the instructors, the date of successful completion, and the board's approved training module or course identification number. Records must be available for inspection during normal business hours by authorized representatives of the board. Providers must maintain these records for a minimum of five years.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 14, eff. April 17, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 42, Issue 1, eff. October 1, 2025.

18VAC15-40-280. Reporting of changes.

Any change in the information provided in 18VAC15-40-210 or 18VAC15-40-230 must be reported to the board within 30 days of the change. Any change in information submitted will be reviewed to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 14, eff. April 17, 2017.

18VAC15-40-290. Withdrawal of approval.

The board may withdraw approval of a prelicense education course, an NRS training module, or an NRS CPE course for the following reasons:

1. The training module or course being offered no longer meets the standards established by the board.

2. The provider, through an agent or otherwise, advertises its services in a fraudulent or deceptive way.

3. The provider, instructor, or contact person of the provider falsifies any information relating to the application for approval, training module, course information, or student records or fails to produce records required by 18VAC15-40-270.

4. A change in the information provided that results in noncompliance with this part.

5. Failure to comply with 18VAC15-40-280.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 14, eff. April 17, 2017.

18VAC15-40-300. Board authority to audit approved education courses and training modules.

The board may conduct an audit of any board-approved prelicense education course, NRS training module, or NRS CPE course provider to ensure continued compliance with this chapter.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 14, eff. April 17, 2017.

Forms (18VAC15-40)

Home Inspector License Application, A506-3380LIC-v5 (eff. 10/2025)

Home Inspector NRS Specialty Designation Application, A506-3380NRS-v2 (eff. 10/2025)

Home Inspector Qualifying Experience Verification Form, A506-3380EXP-v8 (eff. 10/2025)

Home Inspectors - Inspection Log, A506-3380ILOG-v2 (eff. 10/2025)

Home Inspector Renewal or Reinstatement Application, A506-3380REN_REI-v1 (eff. 10/2025)

Home Inspector - Course Approval Application, Prelicense Education Course, NRS Training Module, or NRS CPE, A506-3331HICRS-vs4 (eff. 10/2025)