Inspection Services Licensing in Ontario

Home inspection is not a licensed profession in Ontario as of 2026, though legislation has been proposed. The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI), created by the Ontario government, has the exclusive right to grant the Registered Home Inspector (RHI) designation. RHI candidates must complete an accredited training program through an Ontario college, pass the OAHI examination, and complete supervised inspections. The National Certification Program through the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI) offers the National Certificate Holder (NCH) designation. For radon testing, the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) certifies measurement and mitigation professionals.

Ask if they hold the Registered Home Inspector (RHI) designation from OAHI or the NCH from CAHPI.

(1) No RHI (Registered Home Inspector) or NCH (National Certificate Holder) designation (2) No errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, which protects you if deficiencies are missed (3) Rushes through the inspection in under 2 hours for an average-sized home (4) Offers to perform or arrange repairs for deficiencies found during the inspection (conflict of interest) (5) Report lacks photographs or provides only a checklist without detailed explanations

(1) Do you hold the RHI designation from OAHI or NCH from CAHPI? (2) Do you carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance? (3) What does your inspection cover, and what specialty tests (radon, thermal imaging) do you offer? (4) Can I accompany you during the inspection to ask questions? (5) How soon after the inspection will I receive the report?

Yes, inspection services in Ontario are expected to carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage.

Typical rates for inspection services in Ontario range from $100-$200/hour. Home size and age (older and larger homes take longer to inspect), type of inspection requested (standard vs. comprehensive with add-on services), number of specialty tests included (radon, mold sampling, water quality, thermal imaging), property location, and whether the inspection is for a purchase, pre-listing, or annual maintenance. Multi-unit or commercial property inspections cost more due to scale and complexity.