Requires third-party home inspectors to identify building code standards in the home inspection report

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Warwick

Third-party home inspectors must disclose the specific building code standards used in an inspection and may not inspect with certain conflicts of interest.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

#constructionandbuildingcodes #housing #property #realandpersonal

Summary of HB 3089 (2026) – Missouri

Purpose and intent

HB 3089 seeks to require third-party home inspectors in Missouri to disclose the building code standards used during a home inspection and to prohibit inspections by inspectors with certain conflicts of interest. The goal is to improve transparency around the standards applied in inspections and to help purchasers understand whether deficiencies are evaluated against applicable code requirements.

Key provisions and changes

Definition changes and scope:

Establishes definitions for terms including “conflict of interest,” “home inspection,” “home inspection report,” “political subdivision,” “residential unit,” and “third-party home inspector.”

Prohibition on conflicts of interest:

A third-party home inspector may not conduct a home inspection if they have a conflict of interest as defined (see below).
Conflict of interest includes:
A financial interest in the individual, firm, or corporation engaged in inspecting the home or residential unit.
A relationship with a family member or other individual in the home or inspection that could create an appearance of impropriety.

Disclosure of building code standards:

The inspection report must disclose the specific building code standards used to conduct the inspection.
The standards disclosed must be in compliance with the building code standards adopted by the applicable political subdivision (i.e., local code requirements).
The report must state either:
That no deficiencies of the applicable building code or codes were identified; or
If deficiencies exist, all deficiencies identified related to the applicable building code or codes.

Who is affected

Third-party home inspectors performing inspections for compensation in Missouri.

Homebuyers and property purchasers relying on third-party inspection reports.

Homeowners and sellers referencing inspection reports that must include code-standard disclosures.

Local governments (political subdivisions) whose adopted building codes are the reference standards for disclosures.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative action history:

Introduced and read in the House on January 22, 2026.
Read a second time in the House on January 27, 2026.
Referred to the Emerging Issues (H) committee on May 15, 2026.

Effective date: The bill text does not specify an effective date; typically, if enacted, a date would be set in the final act (not provided in the current text).

Potential impact

Increased transparency: Buyers receive explicit information about which building code standards were used, enabling better assessment of compliance and safety concerns.

Standardization of disclosures: Aligns home inspection reporting with local code adoption, reducing ambiguity about what codes were considered.

Compliance burden: Inspectors must verify and cite applicable code standards and assess conflicts of interest, potentially increasing procedural steps and documentation requirements.

Market effects: Could influence who qualifies as a third-party inspector and may affect inspector selection due to conflict-of-interest safeguards.