Introduction

Integrity, honesty, and objectivity are foundational to the home inspection profession. This Code of Ethics establishes the ethical obligations of North American Association of Home Inspectors (AHI) members and provides a framework for professional conduct that protects clients, the public, and the reputation of the association. Where this Code and state law conflict, state law shall take precedence .

1. Professional Conduct

AHI members shall conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the integrity of the profession.

Members shall:

• Act in good faith when dealing with clients.
• Base opinions and conclusions on fact, education, or experience .
• Maintain truthfulness in advertising, marketing, and representation of qualifications.
• Perform services with honesty, fairness, and impartiality .
• Avoid conduct that discredits AHI or the home inspection profession.

Members shall not:

• Disclose inspection results to any party other than the client without the client's approval.
• Misrepresent the scope, findings, or implications of an inspection.
• Engage in deceptive, misleading, or unethical business practices.

2. Conflicts of Interest

Members shall avoid activities that compromise, or appear to compromise, professional independence or objectivity.

Members shall not:

• Accept compensation from more than one interested party for the same service without the consent of all parties.
• Accept commissions, allowances, referral fees, or financial benefits from parties involved in the real estate transaction.
• Inspect properties for compensation in which they have, or expect to have, a financial interest , unless fully disclosed and approved by all parties.
• Offer or provide repair, renovation, or remediation services on a property they have inspected, or plan to inspect, where doing so would create a conflict of interest.

Members shall:

• Disclose any potential conflict of interest to the client before the inspection is performed.
• Maintain professional independence and avoid relationships that could influence inspection findings.

3. Client Relationships

Members shall act in the best interest of the client and maintain strict confidentiality.

Members shall:

• Protect the client's right to privacy and confidentiality regarding inspection findings.
• Provide objective, unbiased information that enables clients to make informed decisions.
• Avoid exaggeration, misrepresentation, or concealment of pertinent facts.
• Communicate clearly regarding the scope and limitations of the inspection.

Members shall not:

• Use client information for personal gain or to the detriment of the client.
• Provide opinions outside their area of competence or licensure.

4. Competence and Professional Responsibility

Members shall perform services only within the boundaries of their education, training, and experience.

Members shall:

• Maintain professional competence through continuing education and adherence to AHI Standards of Practice.
• Perform inspections in accordance with the AHI Standards of Practice and applicable laws.
• Provide services that reflect sound professional judgment and accepted industry practices.

Members shall not:

• Practice outside their area of expertise.
• Falsify credentials, experience, or qualifications.

5. Public Trust and Representation of the Profession

Members shall uphold the reputation of AHI and the home inspection profession.

Members shall:

• Avoid association with enterprises or individuals whose practices violate this Code.
• Conduct themselves in a manner that promotes confidence in the profession.
• Represent AHI and the profession with integrity in all public communications.
• Members shall not:
• Engage in conduct that brings discredit to AHI or the profession.
• Misuse the AHI name, logo, or credentials.

6. Compliance

Members shall comply with this Code of Ethics as a condition of AHI membership.

Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of membership, in accordance with AHI policies and procedures.