(a) No person, partnership, association, or corporation shall hold himself, herself, or itself out to the public in this State as being qualified to act as a home inspector, or advertise, or engage in the practice of inspecting homes or assume to act as a home inspector, or use in connection with the person’s, partnership’s, association’s or corporation’s name, or otherwise assume or use, any title or description conveying or tending to convey the impression that the person, partnership, association or corporation is qualified to act as a home inspector, unless such person has been duly licensed under this chapter.

(b) Whenever a license to practice as a home inspector in this State has expired or been suspended or revoked, it shall be unlawful for the person to act as a home inspector in this State.

(c) No person shall act as a home inspector trainee or hold himself or herself out to be a home inspector trainee unless such person has been duly registered by the Board under this chapter.

78 Del. Laws, c. 170, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1; 

(a) An applicant, who is applying for licensure as a home inspector under this chapter, for the relevant license, shall submit evidence, verified by oath and satisfactory to the Board, that such person:

(1) Has successfully completed high school or its equivalent;

(2) Has passed a written, standardized examination as designated by the Board;

(3) Has acquired the required training and experience requirements for licensure as may be established by the Board, including any educational courses of study as established by the Board;

(4) Shall not have been the recipient of any administrative penalties regarding that applicant’s practice as a home inspector, including but not limited to fines, formal reprimands, license suspensions or revocation, (except for license revocations for nonpayment of license renewal fees), probationary limitations, and/or has not entered into any “consent agreements” which contain conditions placed by a Board on that applicant’s professional conduct and practice, including any voluntary surrender of a license. The Board may determine after a hearing or review of documentation whether such administrative penalty is grounds to deny licensure;

(5) Shall not have any impairment related to drugs or alcohol that would limit the applicant’s ability to act as a home inspector in a manner consistent with the safety of the public;

(6) Has not been convicted of a crime that is substantially related to the practice of home inspection; however, if after consideration of the factors set forth under § 8735(x)(3) of Title 29 through a hearing or review of documentation the Board determines that granting a waiver would not create an unreasonable risk to public safety, the Board shall, by an affirmative vote of a majority of the quorum, waive this paragraph (a)(6).

a.-d. [Repealed.]

(7) Has no disciplinary proceedings or unresolved complaints pending against the applicant in any jurisdiction where the applicant has previously been or currently is licensed, certified, or registered.

(8) Has provided evidence that the applicant or the applicant’s employer has and will maintain liability and errors and omissions insurance in the form and minimum amount to be determined by the Board in its rules and regulations.

(b) Where the Board has found to its satisfaction that an applicant has been intentionally fraudulent, or that false information has been intentionally supplied, it shall report its findings to the Attorney General for further action.

(c) Where the application of a person that is not under investigation in this or any other jurisdiction has been refused or rejected and such applicant feels that the Board has acted without justification, has imposed higher or different standards for the applicant than for other applicants, registrants, or licensees, or has in some other manner contributed to or caused the failure of such application, the applicant may appeal to the Superior Court.

(d) A person already engaged in the business of performing home inspections as of August 6, 2013, is allowed until November 4, 2013, to comply with the provisions of this chapter for the purpose of qualifying to perform home inspections. Such person will qualify for a license without being required to satisfy paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this section if such person can document to the satisfaction of the Board that he or she has conducted not fewer than 250 home inspections in Delaware for compensation or has been engaged in the practice of home inspection for compensation for not fewer than 5 years prior to August 6, 2013. Nothing in this subsection (d) shall exempt a licensed home inspector from complying with any continuing education requirements for licensed home inspectors as may be established by the Board.

78 Del. Laws, c. 170, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  79 Del. Laws, c. 126, §  1;  83 Del. Laws, c. 433, § 29; 

(a) Persons, who are presented to the Board by a supervising home inspector for registration as a home inspector trainee, shall provide a statement to the Board that the trainee:

(1) Shall perform only those specific functions, which have been delineated in the supervising home inspector’s statement;

(2) Shall practice only under the direct supervision of a licensed home inspector;

(3) Shall identify themselves to the public as a home inspector trainee;

(4) Shall not have been convicted of a crime that is substantially related to the practice of home inspection; however, if after consideration of the factors set forth under § 8735(x)(3) of Title 29 through a hearing or review of documentation the Board determines that granting a waiver would not create an unreasonable risk to public safety, the Board, by an affirmative vote of a majority of the quorum, shall waive this paragraph (a)(4).

a.-d. [Repealed.]

(5) Has acquired the required training and experience requirements to act as a home inspector trainee as may be established by the Board, including any educational courses of study as established by the Board.

(b) An applicant, who has been registered by the Board as a home inspector trainee, may assist in the completion of a home inspection report, and may co-sign a home inspection, provided that the home inspector trainee is actively and personally supervised by a licensed home inspector.

(c) In addition, the supervising licensed home inspector shall review and sign all home inspection reports prepared under the supervising licensed home inspector’s supervision by the home inspector trainee and shall accept total responsibility for the home inspection report.

(d) No person, while registered as a home inspector trainee, shall be required to pay any fee, charge or other thing of value to a supervising licensed home inspector, or be required to execute a covenant not to compete with a supervising licensed home inspector, as a condition of satisfying the home inspector trainee requirements of this subchapter.

(e) The Board in its regulations shall determine the number of home inspector trainees that a supervising home inspector may supervise and the requirements of their supervision.

78 Del. Laws, c. 170, §  1;  79 Del. Laws, c. 126, §  2;  79 Del. Laws, c. 392, §  1;  82 Del. Laws, c. 9, § 4;  83 Del. Laws, c. 433, § 29; 

(a) A home inspector from another state, who is licensed or certified by the home inspector licensing or certifying agency in such state, may apply for registration to receive temporary licensing privileges in this State for the purpose of completing specific home inspection services by paying all required fees and filing with the Board an application, on a form prescribed by the Board for such purpose, which shall set forth and include:

(1) The applicant’s name, address, social security number, and such other information as may be necessary to identify the applicant;

(2) The type of license or certificate held by the applicant and the license or certificate number;

(3) The dates of licensure or certification and the expiration date of the applicant’s current license or certificate;

(4) Whether the license or certificate was issued as a result of passing a licensure or certification examination, by reciprocity, or by some other means;

(5) A statement that the person has met the requirements of § 4108(a)(4), (5), (6), and (7) of this title;

(6) A statement that the applicant agrees to abide by all home inspector laws and rules of this State and to cooperate with any investigation initiated as provided under this chapter;

(7) Identification of the property to be inspected and the anticipated duration of the assignment; and

(8) Such other information as may be necessary to determine the applicant’s eligibility for temporary home inspector licensing privileges in this State.

(b) Licensing privileges granted under the provisions of this section shall expire upon completion of the specific home inspection assignment for which the Board has issued the temporary license.

(c) The Division is empowered to issue a temporary license to a home inspector from another state, who has documented compliance with the requirements of this section.

78 Del. Laws, c. 170, §  1;  82 Del. Laws, c. 9, § 4; 

(a) Upon payment of the appropriate fee and submission and acceptance of a written application on forms provided by the Board, the Board shall grant a license to each applicant, who shall present proof of current licensure in good standing in another state, the District of Columbia, or territory of the United States, whose standards for licensure are substantially similar to those of this State. A license in “good standing” is defined in § 4108(a)(4), (5), (6), and (7) of this title.

(b) An applicant, who is licensed in good standing, as defined in subsection (a) of this section, in a state whose standards are not substantially similar to those of this State, shall be licensed by endorsement if such person:

(1) Has practiced for a minimum of 1 year, performed at least 75 fee-paid home inspections, and holds the designation of inspector or certified inspector as a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (“ASHI”) or the designation of regular member or certified real estate inspector as a member of the National Association of Home Inspectors (“NAHI”); or

(2) Has practiced for a minimum of 5 years after licensure; provided however, that the applicant meets all other qualifications for endorsement in this section.

(c) An applicant, who is a graduate of a foreign college or university or who has completed formal training as a home inspector in a foreign jurisdiction, and who is not licensed in another state, the District of Columbia, or territory of the United States, shall submit a certified copy of the applicant’s college or university record or documentation evidencing formal training as a home inspector for evaluation by the Board, in addition to fulfilling the applicable requirements for licensure of §§ 4108 and 4109 of this title.

78 Del. Laws, c. 170, §  1;  79 Del. Laws, c. 392, §  2; 

The amount to be charged for each fee imposed under this chapter shall approximate and reasonably reflect all costs necessary to defray the expenses of the Board, as well as the proportional expenses incurred by the Division in its service on behalf of the Board. There shall be a separate fee charged for each service or activity, but no fee shall be charged for a purpose not specified in this chapter. The application fee shall not be combined with any other fee or charge. The Division, or any other state agency acting in its behalf, shall compute, for each separate service or activity, the appropriate fees for the licensure biennium.

78 Del. Laws, c. 170, §  1; 

(a) The Board shall issue a license to each applicant, who meets all of the requirements of this chapter for licensure as a home inspector and who pays the fee established under § 4112 of this title.

(b) Each license shall be renewed biennially, in such manner as is determined by the Division, and upon payment of the appropriate fee and submission of a renewal form provided by the Division, and proof that the licensee has met the continuing education requirements established by the Board, and shall meet the requirements of § 4108(a)(4), (5), (6) and (7) of this title. The Board may determine, after a hearing, whether the failure to meet the requirements of § 4108(a)(4), (5), (6) and (7) of this title is grounds to deny renewal. The Board may withhold renewal of any applicant failing to meet the requirements of § 4108(a)(4), (5), (6) and (7) of this title pending investigation and the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings under §§ 4115 and 4116 of this title.

(c) The Board, in its rules and regulations, shall determine the late fee and period of time within which a licensed home inspector may still renew that home inspector’s license, notwithstanding the fact that such licensee has failed to renew on or before the renewal date.

(d) A licensee, upon written request, may be placed in an inactive status in accordance with the Board’s rules and regulations. The renewal fee of such person shall be prorated according to the amount of time such person was inactive. Such person may reenter practice upon written notification to the Board of the intent to do so and completion of continuing education as required in the Board’s rules and regulations.

78 Del. Laws, c. 170, §  1; 

(a) A practitioner licensed under this chapter shall be subject to disciplinary actions set forth in § 4116 of this title, if, after a hearing, the Board finds that the home inspector:

(1) Has employed or knowingly cooperated in fraud or material deception in order to acquire a license as a home inspector; has impersonated another person holding a license, or allowed another person to use that home inspector’s license, or aided or abetted a person not licensed as a home inspector to represent himself or herself as a home inspector.

(2) Has illegally, incompetently or negligently practiced home inspection.

(3) Has been convicted of a crime that is substantially related to the practice of home inspection. A copy of the record of conviction certified by the clerk of the court entering the conviction shall be conclusive evidence therefor.

(4) Has excessively used or abused drugs either in the past 2 years or currently; excessive use or abuse of drugs shall mean any use of narcotics, controlled substances, or illegal drugs without a prescription from a licensed practitioner, or the abuse of alcoholic beverage such that it impairs the practitioner’s ability to perform the work of a home inspector.

(5) Has violated a lawful provision of this chapter, or any lawful regulation established thereunder.

(6) Has had that home inspector’s own license as a home inspector suspended or revoked, or other disciplinary action taken by the appropriate licensing authority in another jurisdiction; provided, however, that the underlying grounds for such action in another jurisdiction have been presented to the Board by certified record; and the Board has determined that the facts found by the appropriate authority in the other jurisdiction constitute 1 or more of the acts defined in this chapter. Every person licensed as a home inspector in this State shall be deemed to have given consent to the release of this information by the Board or other comparable agencies in another jurisdiction, and have waived all objections to the admissibility of previously adjudicated evidence of such acts or offenses.

(7) Has failed to notify the Board that the home inspector’s license as home inspector in another state has been subject to discipline, or has been surrendered, suspended, or revoked. A certified copy of the record of disciplinary action, surrender, suspension or revocation shall be conclusive evidence thereof.

(b) Subject to the provisions of subchapter IV of Chapter 101 of Title 29, no license shall be restricted, suspended, or revoked by the Board, and no practitioner’s right to practice home inspection shall be limited by the Board until such practitioner has been given notice, and an opportunity to be heard, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, Chapter 101 of Title 29. Notice shall be accomplished by mail to the last address of record provided by the licensee. It is the licensee’s responsibility to notify the Division of a change of address within 15 days.

78 Del. Laws, c. 170, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1; 

(a) All complaints shall be received and investigated by the Division in accordance with § 8735 of Title 29.

(b) When it is determined that an individual is engaging, or has engaged, in the practice of home inspection, or is using the title “home inspector” or other title implying that the individual is competent to act as a “home inspector” and is not licensed under the laws of this State, the Board may institute proceedings under § 10161 of Title 29 for issuance of a cease and desist order and a fine.

78 Del. Laws, c. 170, §  1; 

(a) The Board may impose any of the following sanctions, singly or in combination, when it finds that 1 of the conditions or violations set forth in § 4114 of this title applies to a practitioner regulated by this chapter:

(1) Issue a letter of reprimand.

(2) Place a practitioner on probationary status, and require the practitioner to:

a. Report regularly to the Board on the matters, which are the basis of the probation.

b. Limit all practice and professional activities to those areas prescribed by the Board.

(3) Suspend any practitioner’s license.

(4) Revoke any practitioner’s license.

(5) Impose a monetary penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each violation.

(b) The Board may withdraw or reduce conditions of probation when it finds that the deficiencies, which required such action, have been remedied.

(c) (1) In the event of a formal or informal complaint concerning the activity of a person licensed to practice home inspection that presents a clear and immediate danger to the public health, safety or welfare, the Board may temporarily suspend the person’s license to practice home inspection, pending a hearing, upon the written order of the Secretary of State or the Secretary’s designee, with the concurrence of the Board chair or the Board chair’s designee. An order temporarily suspending a license to practice home inspection may not be issued unless the person or the person’s attorney received at least 24 hours’ written or oral notice before the temporary suspension so that the person or the person’s attorney can file a written response to the proposed suspension. The decision as to whether to issue the temporary order of suspension will be decided on the written submissions. An order of temporary suspension pending a hearing may remain in effect for no longer than 60 days from the date of the issuance of the order unless the temporarily suspended person requests a continuance of the hearing date. If the temporarily suspended person requests a continuance, the order of temporary suspension remains in effect until the hearing is convened and a decision is rendered by the Board. A person whose license has been temporarily suspended pursuant to this section may request an expedited hearing. The Board shall schedule the hearing on an expedited basis, provided that the Board receives the request within 5 calendar days from the date on which the person received notification of the decision to temporarily suspend the person’s license.

(2) A person whose license to practice home inspection has been temporarily suspended pursuant to this section must be notified of the temporary suspension immediately and in writing. Notification consists of a copy of the complaint and the order of temporary suspension pending a hearing personally served upon the person or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person’s last known address.

(3) A person whose license to practice home inspection has been temporarily suspended pursuant to this section may request an expedited hearing. The Board shall schedule the hearing on an expedited basis, provided that the Board receives the request within 5 calendar days from the date on which the person received notification of the decision to temporarily suspend the person’s license to practice home inspection.

(4) The Board shall convene a hearing within 60 days of the date of issuance of the order of temporary suspension to consider the evidence regarding the matters alleged in the complaint. If the person requests in a timely manner an expedited hearing, the Board shall convene a hearing within 15 days of the Board’s receipt of the request. Upon the final decision of the Board, an order of temporary suspension is vacated as a matter of law and is replaced by the disciplinary action, if any, ordered by the Board.

78 Del. Laws, c. 170, §  1;  79 Del. Laws, c. 213, §  2; 

(a) If a complaint is filed with the Board pursuant to § 8735 of Title 29, alleging violation of § 4114 of this title, the Board shall set a time and place to conduct a hearing on the complaint. Notice of the hearing shall be given and the hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, Chapter 101 of Title 29.

(b) All hearings shall be informal without use of rules of evidence. If the Board finds, by a majority vote of all members, that the complaint has merit, the Board shall take such action permitted under this chapter, as it deems necessary. The Board’s decision shall be in writing and shall include its reasons for such decision. The Board’s decision shall be mailed immediately to the practitioner.

(c) Where the practitioner is in disagreement with the action of the Board, the practitioner may appeal the Board’s decision to the Superior Court within 30 days of service, or of the postmarked date of the copy of the decision mailed to the practitioner. Upon such appeal the Court shall hear the evidence on the record. Stays shall be granted in accordance with § 10144 of Title 29.

78 Del. Laws, c. 170, §  1; 

(a) As a condition to reinstatement of a suspended license, or removal from probationary status, the Board may reinstate such license if, after a hearing or review of documentation, the Board is satisfied that the licensee has taken the prescribed corrective actions and otherwise satisfied all of the conditions of the suspension and/or the probation.

(b) Applicants for reinstatement shall pay the appropriate fees and submit documentation required by the Board as evidence that all the conditions of a suspension and/or probation have been met. Proof that the applicant has met the continuing education requirements of this chapter may also be required, as appropriate.

78 Del. Laws, c. 170, §  1;