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Overview
A Home Inspection Business is defined as the activity of providing home inspection services to consumers.
A Home Inspection means an opinion as to the condition of a dwelling based primarily on a non-invasive examination of readily accessible features and components of the dwelling.
Exclusions
A business with the following sole purposes does not require inspection business licensing:
- contracts for inspections of common areas of a condominium property
- contracts for inspections of dwellings to be used for commercial or business purposes, including use as a rental property
- contracts for inspections of dwellings conducted by a person participating in a home inspection training course or as part of a test home inspection if the consideration, if any, for the home inspection is paid to the educational institution or supervisor of the test home inspection and no remuneration is paid to the person conducting the home inspection
- inspections of dwellings by a safety codes officer pursuant to the Safety Codes Act
- inspections of dwellings for purposes of constructing, altering, maintaining, repairing or improving the dwelling
If your business does not require this licence, you do not need to proceed further.
How to apply
You will need to provide:
- information on your business
- a criminal record check or police information check
- a Home Inspector application form
- a security
- proof of errors and omissions insurance
- a copy of a standard contract
- payment for a licensing fee
You need to ensure your home inspectors are licensed to operate in Alberta.
To get started, follow the instructions below to save and open the application form.
Fillable PDF forms may not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. For help opening the forms, contact PDF form technical support.
Application form
Application for a Home Inspection Business Licence
Your responsibilities
Licence holders must notify Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction in writing within 15 days of a change in:
- business address
- partners of the business if the licence is issued to a partnership
- officers or directors of the corporation if the licence is issued to a corporation
Licence holders must notify Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction in writing within 15 days of ceasing to carry on the activities for which the licence was issued.
It is your responsibility to ensure your licence is in force as long as you continue to do business. Once your licence is issued, note the expiry date and ensure your licence is renewed prior to this date.
Licensees must be able to provide confirmation of licensing on request. This can be done by providing a copy of the licence or by providing other confirmation that the business is properly licensed. This can include providing a link to the Find a Licensed Business search tool.
A home inspection business shall ensure that a home inspection is conducted only by a licensed home inspector.
Compliance
Note: applicant, directors, officers and partners are required to read the Consumer Protection Act and its regulations associated with this licence and understand that certain sections are of significance, including but not limited to the specific sections noted below.
Home Inspection Business Regulation
- Section 6 regarding error and omissions insurance that must be maintained
- Section 9 regarding licensing requirements
- Section 22 regarding wording that is prohibited
- Section 25 regarding compensation for damages
- Section 26 regarding prohibitions
Designation of Trades and Businesses Regulation
General Licensing and Security Regulation
Copies of legislation can be obtained from the Alberta King’s Printer.
Contact
Connect with the Consumer Contact Centre:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-4088
Toll free: 1-877-427-4088 (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]