TREC Inspector Committee Reviews Education Rule and SOPs Updates

The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) met January 20, 2026, to welcome new members, elect officers, make subcommittee appointments, and consider rule changes related to inspector education requirements and the Standards of Practice (SOPs).

New Members and Officer Elections

The committee welcomed three new members:

• Public members (two-year terms) Natalie Manzanares and Peter Charles
• Inspector member (six-year term) Greg House

The committee also elected officers for the year:

• Presiding Officer (Chair) Stephenie Huser
• Assistant Presiding Officer (Vice Chair) Randy Bayer
• Secretary Cole Robison

Subcommittee Appointments

The following appointments were made:

• Education Subcommittee-Mike Morgan (chair), Greg House, Natalie Manzanares, and Peter Charles.
• Standards of Practice Subcommittee-Randy Bayer (chair), Michael Marlow, Cole Robison, and Rhondalyn Riley.

Education Rule Recommendation

TREIC discussed proposed changes to 22 TAC §535.214, which outlines education and experience requirements for an inspector license. The proposed revisions make clear that applicants must complete all required qualifying inspection coursework before beginning the Texas Practicum.

The rule had already been formally proposed by the Commission at its November meeting and did not receive public comments. After discussion, the committee voted unanimously to recommend adoption of the rule as presented. The Commission adopted the rule at its February meeting.

Draft Updates to the Standards of Practice

TREIC also reviewed draft changes to the SOPs (22 TAC §§535.227-535.233). Over the past year, the SOPs Subcommittee reviewed each section and suggested revisions, many of which were informed by feedback from the agency's enforcement division and updates to align with current building and safety standards.

Key changes discussed include:

• Inspection report retention-Adding language to clarify that inspectors must maintain completed inspection reports in a format readily available to the Commission for at least four years from the date of inspection, aligning with the statute of limitations for complaint investigations.
• Roof inspections-Revised language emphasizing that inspectors should inspect roof covering materials by walking the roof surface whenever it is safe to do so. This change is intended to clarify that alternative methods, such as drones, do not replace a physical roof inspection when conditions permit.
• Emergency escape and rescue openings-Clarifications requiring inspectors to report as deficient emergency escape and rescue openings that require keys, special knowledge, or effort to operate, including doors with double-cylinder deadbolts, regardless of whether a key is present.
• Electrical panels-Updated language specifying minimum unobstructed workspace requirements around electrical cabinets and panel boards, including clearance dimensions for depth, width, and height.
• Carbon monoxide detectors-Clarifications noting that carbon monoxide detectors are required in bedrooms containing fuel-fired appliances, such as fireplaces.
• Duct systems-New language requiring inspectors to note deficiencies when visible electrical conductors or components are found running through duct systems, a condition commonly observed in older homes and considered a fire hazard.
• Plumbing and gas systems-Cleanup changes removing redundant references to gas distribution systems from plumbing sections, as gas systems are addressed in a separate portion of the report.
• Water heaters-Clarified deficiency reporting related to gas water heater drain pans and pan materials, including concerns about non-fire-rated plastic pans.
• Hydromassage therapy equipment-Added clarification that inspectors should verify the pump motor is electrically bonded when access is available.

SOPs changes remain in draft form and will continue to be refined by the subcommittee before any formal recommendation is made. Review them beginning on page 21 of the Meeting Materials.

Future Meeting Dates

The committee will meet again on:

• Monday, April 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
• Monday, July 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
• Monday, October 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.