This page is intended to help real estate agents understand Washington State Laws regarding home inspectors, referring home inspectors, the difference between a licensed home inspector and a licsensed structural pest inspector, and other issues affecting real estate agents and their clients in the home inspection process. You may also call us with any questions you may have.

Remember that the "law" is the RCW.  The WAC are the rules that follow the laws and they are rules to enact the law.  The law relating to licensing of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons:

18.85 RCW

308-124 WAC

18.86 RCW

18.235 WAC

• WAC 308-124C-050 - Home Inspector referrals.

Each licsensed designated broker will establish a written office policy that includes a prodedure for referring home inspectors to buyers and sellers.  The policy will address the consumer's right to freely pick a home inspector of the buyer's or seller's choice and prevent any collusion between the home inspector and a real estate licensee.

If a licensee refers a home inspector to a buyer or seller with whom they have or have had a relationship including, but not limited to, a business or familial relationship, then full disclosure of the relations must be provided in writing prior to the buyer or seller using the services of the home inspector.

• RCW 235.130 Unprofessional conduct - Acts or conditions that constitute. 

The following conduct, acts or conditions constitute unprofessional conduct for a license holder or applicants under the jurisdiction of thus chapter:........

(9) Aiding or abetting an unlicensed person to practice or operate a business or profession when a license is required.