Inspector Committee Moves Forward on SOPs Changes

At its April 20, 2026, meeting, the Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) discussed ongoing improvements to inspector standards, reporting requirements, and communication practices. Download the Agenda and Meeting Materials.

REALM Portal Support and Resources

Staff shared updates on efforts to address user challenges related to the new license management system, the Real Estate and Appraiser License Management (REALM) Portal. Since initial issues arose, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) has expanded its library of online help to provide guidance and reduce response times for common questions. These resources have helped streamline support and improve the overall user experience.

Recommended Changes to the SOPs

The committee reviewed several potential updates to the standards of practice (SOPs). Here are some of the highlights.

Restructuring HVAC and Appliance SOPs

The language related to range hoods and exhaust systems, mechanical exhaust systems and bathroom heaters, and dryer exhaust systems, has been moved from the Appliance SOPs to the HVAC SOPs in an effort to keep ventilation related items together.

Septic System Inspections

New language makes clear that inspectors must inspect private sewage disposal systems by opening or accessing system components such as lids or risers-even if excavation is required-when performing an inspection, and that any system components that are not accessible and could not be inspected should be reported.

Sewer Line Camera Inspections

Recognizing the growing practice of sewer line inspections by camera or scope, the committee introduced a new SOPs section outlining expectations for these inspections. The proposed standards address what inspectors are required to inspect and report, and what the inspector is not required to do. These additions aim to bring consistency to an area that has previously lacked formal guidance.

Property Inspection Report Form Revisions

The committee also discussed updates to the Property Inspection Report Form to align with the recommended SOPs changes.

Clarifying the Departure Provision and "Not Required To" Language

Committee members discussed ongoing confusion related to the departure provision and the use of "not required to" language within certain SOPs subsections. Some inspectors have interpreted these provisions as meaning they are not required to comply with the departure provision. The committee emphasized that this interpretation is incorrect.

Even when a task is identified as "not required," inspectors must still follow the departure provision when they do not perform a required component of the inspection. This includes appropriately informing the client and documenting the reason within the inspection report.

This discussion reinforced that the SOPs must be applied as a whole and that clear communication with clients remains a fundamental expectation.

Inspection Reporting and Use of "Not Inspected"

The committee also discussed the use of the "Not Inspected" (NI) designation in the Property Inspection Report form. Inspectors may use reasonable judgement when determining which boxes to check; however, questions remain within the industry about when the NI box should be used.

To support consistency, inspectors should use the existing instruction sheet, which provides additional guidance and examples for when the NI designation is appropriate-such as when a component is present but not inspected or cannot be fully inspected due to conditions or access constraints.

TREIC's discussion emphasized the importance of clearly documenting inspection results and any relevant conditions in the report to ensure transparency for clients and support compliance with the SOPs.

Next Steps

SOPs changes and the revised report form will be presented to the Commission for possible proposal at the May 4 TREC Meeting. This will open a public comment period, and feedback received during that process will inform further revisions before any final adoption.

Review the proposed changes for both the SOPs and the Property Inspection Report form in the Meeting Materials.

The Inspector Committee is scheduled to meet again on July 20 and October 19.