WELCOME

Welcome to the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI). You do not need to be a fully qualified home inspector to join. We have membership levels for all levels of persons in the industry including 'Friends’ who just want to keep in touch.

"I want to thank the OAHI and everyone involved, for the continued support and professionalism which I have experienced, since I became a member of the OAHI, back in 2003. The past 16 years have been a great experience in my life, and I will definitely miss being a member and attending the various functions, meetings, and educational seminars," from a past member who moved out of Ontario.

If you are not currently practicing home inspection and are seriously considering entering the occupation, we strongly encourage you to sign up for our newsletters and to attend a few of our monthly educational meetings as a guest of the OAHI. It is a great opportunity to meet other home inspectors and learn first hand what the industry is all about.

OAHI does not provide core academic training for home inspectors.

For information on core training for home inspectors, click here.

OAHI Prior Learning Assessment Exam:

The OAHI in partnership with Conestoga College and funding from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities Ontario, has created a prior learning assessment exam, which corresponds to the Blocks of the National Occupational Standard for home inspection. The purpose of the exam is to give applicants a opportunity to challenge the program with or without prior formal training .

Download the OAHI Exemption Form.

About the OAHI

Information for Home Inspectors

I. INTRODUCTION

The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) is a self-regulating body created by the Ontario Government with the passage of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors Act 1994 Pr158. The OAHI has the exclusive right to define qualification requirements, regulate its members and grant the designation "Registered Home Inspector" and "RHI" to qualified practitioners in the Province of Ontario.

II. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

All members must comply with the following requirements:

(a) Mandatory compliance with the OAHI Standards of Practice.

(b) Provide clients with (paper or electronic) inspection reports of building conditions, descriptions of systems, and identification of major defects.

(d) Maintain membership fees in good standing, and follow the regulations of the association.

(e) All practicing members of the OAHI (RHI, Associate, Candidates and Applicant members) must be insured against Professional Liability to the minimum requirements as set out by the OAHI, and must file with the OAHI a copy of their Insurance Certificate. (E&O insurance).

III. MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES and PRIVILEGES

Non-Registered Members:

(Student, RHI- Retired, Associate-Retired and Friend of OAHI).

(A) STUDENT MEMBERS

Student members are persons who have not completed qualification requirements, and are not performing home inspections. A person may be accepted as a Student member after completing the following requirements:

i. Payment of the prescribed annual fees in full.

ii. Submission of a fully completed application, and applicable substantiating documents.

• Student members may participate in regular meetings and programs of the OAHI, receive mailings, and benefit from 'member' rates for courses, seminars, workshops, conferences, etc.

Note: Other guests will be charged a door fee to attend monthly education meetings and sessions. This door fee will be waived for first time guests, and will be refunded if the applicant pays the annual membership fees within 30 days.

• Student members may advertise their affiliation with the association and have use of the OAHI acronym and logo subject to the provisions under Article 19 of the OAHI Bylaws. Student members must indicate their status as “Student Member.”

• Student members are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the standards, professional conduct and other practices and regulations of the OAHI and are subject to disciplinary procedures. Students may be suspended from participation in education programs, or the completion of the qualification process on the basis of valid written complaints which are not satisfactorily resolved.

(B) RETIRED MEMBERS

Retired Members shall be persons who

(i) have attained RHI or Associate member status,

(ii) are not actively performing home inspections, and

(iii) maintain prior acts insurance coverage for not less than one year since last performing home inspections.

OAHI Bylaws: Retired Members 3.3.7

3.3.7.1 Retired Members shall be persons who have attained RHI Member, New Associate Member or Associate Member status but are not performing inspections. Retired Members shall have restricted membership privileges, have voting rights, and are entitled to function as committee members. In particular, the provisions of Articles 3.3.7.2 and 3.3.7.3 shall apply to Retired Members. Retired Members may serve as voting members on all committees and the board of directors but may not hold the position of President or Vice-President.

3.3.7.2 Retired Members who have held Retired Member status for less than three years must reinstate their former active membership category before performing inspections, subject to meeting the completion of Mandatory Upgrading Requirements and Continuing Education Requirements of Articles 30 and 31, and to meeting the insurance requirements of Article 5.

3.3.7.3 Retired Members who have held Retired Member status for three years or more must make application to the Board of Examiners and hold such membership category provided for in the By-laws based on education and experience at that time before performing inspections.

(C) FRIENDS OF THE OAHI

Friends of the OAHI are individuals or organizations wishing to participate in the activities of the Association. They shall have the right to receive mailings, participate in OAHI meetings and events at rates charged to members, but have no voting rights. They shall not themselves or through their corporate bodies perform inspections, directly or indirectly. Friends of the OAHI may make reference to their affiliation with the OAHI and use the OAHI Logo provided that their membership category is expressly set out in connection with any such usage or reference.

Registered Members:

(Applicant, Candidate, Associate, OAHI-RHI)

(D) APPLICANT MEMBERSHIP

Applicants are persons who are actively performing home inspections but have not completed the required qualification requirements, or have not yet been reviewed by the OAHI Admissions Review Committee and successfully passed that review. A person may be accepted as an Applicant member after completing the following requirements:

Payment of the prescribed annual fees and upgrade fees (if applicable).
Succesful completion of Report Verification within three (3) Months.
Submission of fully completed and signed application and applicable substantiating documents, including Insurance Certificate

Applicant members may advertise their affiliation with the association and have use of the OAHI acronym and Logo subject to the provisions under Article 19 of the OAHI Bylaws. Applicant members must indicate their status as “Applicant Member.”

Applicant members may hold this status for a period not to exceed three (3) years. They have voting rights and but may not be elected to serve on the Board of Directors, but are encouraged to participate in regular meetings and programs of the OAHI, will receive mailings, and are entitled to 'member' rates for courses, seminars, workshops, conferences, etc.

Applicants are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the standards, professional conduct and other practices and regulations of the OAHI and are subject to disciplinary procedures. Applicants may be suspended from participation in education programs, or the completion of the qualification process on the basis of valid written complaints which are not satisfactorily resolved.

(E) CANDIDATE MEMBERSHIP

Candidate membership may be granted after a member has completed the following requirements:

Payment of the prescribed annual fees and upgrade fees (if applicable).
Submission of fully completed and signed application and applicable substantiating documents, including Insurance Certificate

Completion of an OAHI recognized educational program in the field of home inspection or equivalent as accepted by the OAHI Admissions Review Committee
Completion of the OAHI Practical Training Component.

• Candidate Members may advertise their affiliation with the OAH and use the OAHI Logo, but must indicate their status as "Candidate Member."

• Candidate Members have three (3) years to complete the requirements for upgrade to Associate or RHI status, (see Application for Membership Upgrade form) unless an extension has been approved by the Board of Examiners. Extensions may be granted upon request one year at a time.

• Candidate members are required to complete the OAHI Defect Recognition & Reporting Course within one year of becoming a Candidate member. Each year thereafter Candidate members must complete one of the Part 9 Building Code courses per year until both are completed. Upon completion of all three courses the standard Continuing Education requirement of 20 hours per year will apply

• Candidate members will have their names put on the Membership Directory on the OAHI website.

• Candidate Members are encouraged to participate in educational activities of the Association, but have no voting rights and may not be elected to serve on the board of directors. They must, however, follow the same rules as RHI and Associate members, and are subject to the same fees, disciplinary procedures, and regulations.

(F) ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

Associate membership may be granted after a member has completed the following requirements:

Payment of the prescribed annual fees and upgrade fees (if applicable).
Submission of fully completed and signed Application and applicable substantiating documents, including Insurance Certificate
Completion of an OAHI recognized educational program in the field of Home Inspection or equivalent as accepted by the OAHI Admissions Review Committee
Successful completion of peer review including report verification.
Completion of the OAHI Practical Training Component.
Completion of the OAHI Defect Recognition & Reporting Course*
Completion of a minimum of 150 fee paid inspections.

• Associate members may advertise their affiliation with the OAHI, but must indicate their status as "Associate Member".

• Associate members will have their names put on the membership sirectory on the OAHI website.

• Associate members have three (3) years to complete the requirements for upgrade to or OAHI-RHI status, (see Application for membership Upgrade form) unless an extension has been approved by the Board of Examiners. Extensions may be granted upon request one year at a time.

• Associate members Associate members must complete one of the Part 9 Building Code courses per year until both are completed. *An associate member must also complete the OAHI Defect Recognition & Reporting Course if not done already as a Candidate such as might be the case for members transferring in from other provinces. Upon completion of all three courses the standard Continuing Education requirement of 20 hours per year will apply.

The upgrade to Associate member will be posted on the 20-day Upgrade Notice to the members (as per the bylaws).

• Associate members may advertise their affiliation with the OAHI, but must indicate their status as "Associate Member". They are not granted the -OAHI-RHI designation until all membership qualification requirements are satisfied (see Application for Membership Upgrade form) and may not claim or infer that they hold the ""RHI" designation.

• Associate members are encouraged to participate in educational activities of the association, have voting rights,and may be elected to serve on the board of directors. They must, however, follow the same rules as RHI members, and are subject to the same fees, disciplinary procedures, and regulations.

G) "RHI" MEMBERS

RHI members are persons who have completed all qualification requirements set out for the Associate member including the OAHI Defect

Recognition & Reporting Course, OBC Part 9 Building Envelope, and OBC Part 9 Health & Safety if not done already such (as would be the case for example if a member transferred from another province). In addition:

• RHI members must have completed a minimum of 200 fee paid home inspections and

• RHI members must have successfully completed their RHI peer review including report verification and

• RHI members must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education per year and are subject to Mandatory Upgrading every five years as determined necessary by the OAHI Board of Directors.

The upgrade to RHI member will be posted on the 20-day Upgrade Notice to the members (as per the bylaws).

• RHI members are encouraged to participate in educational activities of the association, have voting rights and may be elected to serve on the board of directors.

Note: Any person in Ontario who is not an RHI Member and uses the designation Registered Home Inspector, RHI, or suggests or holds out that he/she is a Registered Home Inspector is guilty of a provincial offense and is liable to a fine of up to $5,000.

IV. MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Membership qualification is based on formal education requirements, practical experience, peer review and continuing education. Members are expected to have a working knowledge of the Ontario Building Code, all components and systems of a house and must possess general defect recognition and report writing skills. Members need good oral and written communications skills and a broad knowledge of construction and building practices in Ontario.

The four components for qualification are:

(a) Academic training related to home inspection- a 70% is required for all of training courses.

(b) Home Inspection experience (practical) performing a minimum number of home inspections to OAHI standards.

(d) Continuing Education Requirements - 20 CEUs every year for members who have completed all of the academic requirements for RHI.

V. AVAILABLE HOME INSPECTION RELATED COURSES

Building inspection courses which are accepted by the OAHI and are in compliance with the National Occupational Standard are available at many community colleges throughout Ontario both in class and on line. Contact your local community college and order their program or Continuing Education Calendars. You may also want to check with your local builders' association for the Part 9 courses.

Please see the OAHI website Continuing Education tab for a list of accepted programs.

Defect Recognition & Reporting Course: The OAHI holds the Defect Recognition & Reporting course on weekends (See application with the Information Package.) usually four times per year in Toronto and once a year in Ottawa, Barrie and southwest Ontario (if numbers permit.). Classes close at 30 persons, so register early.

Part 9: OBC -The House-Health & Safety and Building Envelope courses: For convenience and as a service to members, the OAHI often arranges for the Part 9 OBC courses to be held on weekends. Classes close at 30 persons, so register early.

Note re Weekend Courses: News about the courses offered on weekends by the OAHI is available on the OAHI website.

VI. DEMONSTRATING ACADEMIC EQUIVALENCY

Applicants with extensive prior experience in construction or who have taken training from education providers who are not providing programs accepted by the OAHI as meeting the National Occupational Standard may be exempted from some of the academic training requirements upon assessment by the OAHI Admissions Review committee. Prior learning assessments from Ontario community colleges who deliver recognized training may also be accepted.

Please note that the OAHI will assess

the credentials of non-members, but charges a fee to do so. The fee is non-refundable Applicants wishing to be assessed may find it beneficial to join OAHI in order to benefit from the reduced fees.

VII. CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS (CEUs)

Twenty instructional/contact hours called CEUs (Continuing Education Units) are to be completed by RHI and Associate and Candidate members every year once members have completed their full academic training.

The hours are “bankable” so that any excess hours in a given year up to a maximum of 20 hours may be transferred to the next year. This allows a member the choice of taking a single 40-hour course every two years or taking multiple courses or seminars.

The purpose of this Continuing Education requirement is to demonstrate to the public that OAHI members are committed to remaining current in the field.

They can be derived from attending the monthly meetings of the OAHI at which a technical speaker is in attendance or from any course, seminar, workshop, conference or presentation that relates to building science or practices of home inspection as offered by a home inspection association, government body, course provider or technical association.

It is the responsibility of the individual member to maintain a record of his/her CEUs. Members will be asked for proof of meeting this requirement at annual renewal time. CEUs may be subject to audit at any time.

Summary: Courses, etc.: 1 hour = 1 CEU

Education portion of monthly meetings are eligible • Home Inspection Seminars/Conferences/Workshops are eligible, as recorded on your Certificate of Attendance • Instructing/teaching is eligible - up to 5 CEUs per year •

Committee work at the rate of 1 CEU per meeting attended – up to 5 CEUs per year • Business courses are not eligible.

VIII BUSINESS ENTITIES AND ADVERTISING

With the exception of the “Friends of the OAHI” membership category, OAHI membership is only granted to individuals, not to firms, corporations, partnerships or proprietorships engaged in home inspections or other businesses. OAHI-RHI Members, Associate Members, Candidate and Applicant Members and their home inspection business entities may make reference to the OAHI in company letterhead, advertising and promotion provided:

(i) Such advertising or reference includes the words "RHI", or "Registered Home Inspector", or "Associate Member" or "Candidate Member, “Applicant Member" or "Retired Member", as appropriate following the names of such members, and advertising does not infer that a business entity is a member.

(ii) All home inspectors under the firm name are RHI Members, Associate Members, Candidate Members, or Applicant Members under the direct supervision of an RHI Member, Associate Member or Candidate Member, in the same office or geographic area;

(iii) All home inspectors under the firm name comply with the requirements of Article 5 (Insured or Declare to Disclose)

(iv) The ratio of Applicants to RHI and/or Associate or Candidate Members is not more than 4:1.

(v) A supervising RHI, Associate Member or Candidate Member agrees in writing to assume responsibility for the Applicant's adherence to OAHI standards and regulations.

(vi) The member(s) assume responsibility for the actions of the firm in the use of the Association's name and acronym. Such use must not detract from the goodwill and reputation of the OAHI, or of other members or their firms.

X. OAHI CODE OF CONDUCT

Professional Practice and Conflict of Interest Guidelines

Members shall:

1. Carry on the practice of home inspection in accordance with law, integrity and honesty.

2. Maintain client confidentiality.

3. Not act for or accept payment from more than one party concurrently in connection with the subject property unless fully disclosed to and approved by all parties.

4. Remain independent and at arms length from any other business or personal interests which might affect the quality of the service provided. In particular:

(a) a member shall not repair for a fee any condition found during an inspection, nor use the inspection as a vehicle to deliberately obtain work in another field;

(b) a member who sells real estate may not inspect properties located within the jurisdiction of the real estate board or boards where he or she, or the company with which he or she is associated, is active;

(c) a member who provides public sector inspection services may not inspect a property within a jurisdiction where they have public sector authority or responsibility that would affect the subject property.

5. Promptly disclose to the client any relationship to the property or interested party, business or personal interest which might be construed as affecting the member's independence.

6. Not solicit, receive or give referral fees.

7. Refer trades or other specialists only when doing so is in the best interest of the client, and does not detract from the member’s independence

8. Only provide an opinion on conditions and matters within the scope of the member's expertise, education, experience and profession.

9. To ensure fairness to all concerned parties, not knowingly comment on the work of another member without discussing the observations with the member concerned. A member is free to provide an independent opinion of property conditions, but should if possible advise the previous inspector.

10. Act in good faith to all. Uphold the integrity and reputation of the profession. Respond promptly to complaints.

11. Always provide a written contract to the client and a written or printed report of the system(s) that were inspected.

XI. MEMBERSHIP FEE SCHEDULE (effective 2024)

Note: All fees are prorated from the above date.

Non-Member Credential Assessment Fee $150.00

__________________________________________

Annual Dues for :

Registered Home Inspector $375.00 + HST*

Applicant, Candidate, Associate $375.00 + HST*

Student Member $150.00 + HST*

Retired Member $ N/A

Friend of OAHI $75.00 + HST*

*Report Verification fee $75.00 + HST

RHI Designation Fee:

Note: There is a one-time Designation fee which is due when you apply

to upgrade to Registered Home Inspector(RHI) status $200.00 + HST*

________________________________________________________

Seminar, course and examination fees are in addition to the above fees.

*Prices subject to change without notice.

Membership dues are non-refundable.

Fees are non-refundable

XII. AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS

(a) The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors has groups holding monthly meetings in Toronto, North Central, Ottawa, Kingston and Southwestern Ontario, for the exchange of technical information and education. Guests are welcome at two meetings complimentary.

• For information regarding the monthly meetings of the Toronto Meeting Group, North Central Meeting Group, Greater Ottawa Regional Meeting Group, Southwestern Ontario Meeting Group, Southern Ontario Meeting Group and the Kingston Regional Meeting Group of the OAHI, visit our website under OAHI Meeting Groups.

(b) Many OAHI members also hold membership in the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), however, membership rights, qualification requirements and dues are administered separately. A "services only" package may be available from ASHI (e.g. receiving the ASHI Reporter magazine, using ASHI On-Line, etc.) Inquire direct from ASHI about these possible options 1-800-743-ASHI.

XIII. WEBSITE

RHI, Associate, Candidate and Applicant members in good standing are listed on the OAHI website "Find an Inspector" search

CONTACT US:

Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI)

6 - 14845 Yonge St. #135

Aurora, Ont. L4G 6H8

Tel: 416- 256-0960 or 1-888-RHI-OAHI (744-6244)

Website: www.oahi.com

Email: oahi@oahi.com

This document may be subject to change without notice due to

Change in Board of Directors’ policy and/or bylaw amendments, etc.

The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI). Membership in OAHI is an earned credential and the best evidence of an inspector's competence and professionalism. The OAHI is at the leading edge of the North American profession as the first self-regulating professional home inspection organization, and the 'RHI' designation ("Registered Home Inspector") is the recognized benchmark for competency for private practitioners in Ontario.

Note: Membership Categories and requirements changed as of Dec. 7, 2010. Potential new members are asked to refer to information packages (see information package request form) for latest requirements. All members are asked to contact the tegistrar with any questions in regards to upgrades / for appropriate upgrade applications.

Membership Benefits

As in any profession, it is important to align yourself with the best in the business.

Established in 1994, the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) is the oldest and most respected home inspection association in Ontario.

OAHI offers:

Advocacy – A commitment to high standards and ethics. A united voice while dealing with the government and the public.
Networking – Associate yourself with the best and brightest in the industry.
Membership – Develop a network of like-minded professionals committed to improving your professions credibility.
Professional Development – Stay current with changing trends in the inspection industry.
Member Savings – Special member savings discounts on conferences and other courses, as well as insurance and retail discounts and preferred rates across the country.
Education: courses are offered by various professionals. The annual education conference provides education sessions