Home Inspection Accountability Act: FAQ

The Home Inspection Accountability Act (SF460) passed both the Iowa House and Senate on a unanimous bipartisan basis and was signed into law by Governor Reynolds. This legislation establishes comprehensive regulations for home inspections codifying qualifications for home inspectors, standards for inspection reports, and penalties for non-compliance, and is effective July 1, 2025.

Who can perform home inspections in Iowa?

Home inspectors who belong to a national association of home inspectors, home inspectors who are licensed or registered in another state, an architect licensed pursuant to chapter 544A, or a professional engineer licensed pursuant to chapter 542B are permitted to perform home inspections in Iowa.

What constitutes a national home inspector association?

A home inspection association must operate on a nonprofit basis and must not operate as a franchise, must have members in more than ten states, must require that a person shall not become a full member unless the person has performed or participated in more than one hundred home inspections and has passed a psychometrically sound examination testing knowledge of the proper procedures for conducting a home inspection, and requires that its members comply with a code of conduct and attend continuing professional education classes as an ongoing condition of membership in order to be considered “a national home inspector association.”

The American Society of Home Inspectors, International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, and North American Association of Home Inspectors  provide searchable lists of home inspectors in your area who belong to their associations.

Are HVAC inspectors, radon inspectors, septic inspectors, or other single system inspectors beholden to the requirements of the home inspector law?

No, this legislation only applies to home inspectors providing full home inspections or does not apply to inspectors conducting an examination of a single system or component of a residential dwelling.

Can buyers still select their own home inspector?

Yes, buyers still have choice in who they choose as their home inspector. However, the home inspector they select must meet the requirements and credentials required of home inspectors by Iowa law.

Can my seller request a copy of the home inspection report? 

Yes, the seller may request a copy of the home inspection report from the client for which it was prepared for. 

As a listing agent, am I required to verify the status/registration of a home inspector providing home inspection services at my property?

No, it is not the listing agent’s responsibility to ensure a home inspector meets the requirements under Iowa law. The liability falls on the home inspector to maintain the proper educational and registration requirements and Errors and Omissions insurance.

What happens if the home inspectors in my market do not meet the qualifications of the law?

If a home inspector in your market does not meet the requirements under 558A, they are unable to perform home inspections in Iowa until they obtain the necessary qualifications and insurance. Failure to do so can result in misdemeanor charges and fines. 

What happens if I know of an individual performing home inspections who is not qualified under the new law? How do I report the violation?

Failure of the home inspector to abide by the requirements is now a form of Consumer Fraud pursuant to Iowa Code 714.16 and constitutes either a simple or serious misdemeanor. This can mean fines or even jail time for those conducting whole home inspections without meeting the requirements of 558A.4A. If you have knowledge that an unregistered and/or uninsured home inspector is performing inspections, and that they do not meet the exemptions laid out in Iowa Code 558A.41, you have the right to notify your local law enforcement and file a report.

What happens if the home inspectors in my market do not meet the qualifications of the law?

If a home inspector in your market does not meet the requirements under 558A, they are unable to perform home inspections in Iowa until they obtain the necessary qualifications and insurance. Failure to do so can result in misdemeanor charges and fines. 

Does every home inspector in a company need to belong to a national association of home inspectors?

Although it is best practice for all home inspectors in a company to belong to a national association of home inspectors that requires a code of ethics and continuing education, under the law, so long as the supervising home inspector is registered with a national association and agrees to oversee and be responsible for the contents of the report, only the supervising inspector is required to belong to the national association, not all inspectors within the company.

What information needs to be included in a home inspection report?

Home inspection reports must include a description of the scope of the inspection, including an identification of the structural elements, systems, and subsystems covered by the report, a description of any material defects noted during the inspection, along with any recommendation that certain experts be retained to determine the extent of the defects and any corrective action that should be taken, and the following statements/disclosures:

1) “A home inspection is intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of inspection."

2) “The results of this home inspection are not intended to make any representation regarding the presence or absence of latent or concealed defects that are not reasonably ascertainable in a competently performed home inspection. No warranty or guarantee is expressed or implied."

3) “If the person conducting your home inspection is not a licensed structural engineer or other professional whose license authorizes the rendering of an opinion as to the structural integrity of a building or its other component parts, you may be advised to seek a professional opinion as to any defects or concerns mentioned in the report."

4) “The home inspection report is not to be construed as an appraisal and may not be used as such for any purpose."