The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) held its meeting on October 13 at the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) headquarters in Austin. The agenda included updates from subcommittees, discussion of education requirements, and consideration of license reciprocity with other states.
During the meeting, the Standards of Practice (SOP) Subcommittee presented a first draft of proposed changes to inspection standards. The subcommittee has been reviewing the SOPs for nearly two years. Most proposed changes are minor, but one suggestion involves moving three sections from the appliance category to the HVAC section in inspection reports. This adjustment aims to better categorize ventilation systems but raised concerns about potential confusion for consumers. As a result, both the SOPs and Property Inspection Report Form were sent back to the subcommittee for further review.
Another suggested change would require inspectors to keep inspection reports available for at least four years after an inspection is completed. This aligns with the statute of limitations for filing complaints.
The committee expects to recommend a set of SOP changes, including possible revisions to report forms, at its January 20, 2026 meeting. “I would encourage all stakeholders to get involved with this process sooner rather than later. The SOP Subcommittee meetings can be attended by all interested parties online,” said Lee Warren, Chair of TREIC.
If these recommendations are made in January, they could be forwarded to TREC commissioners for consideration at their February meeting. The commission may return them for further review or propose them as presented. Before any changes are adopted, there will be an opportunity for public feedback. The earliest new SOPs could take effect is May 2026; final dates depend on when approval occurs.
The Education Subcommittee also addressed when students should complete the required 40-hour Texas Practicum as part of prelicensure training. Currently, no rule specifies when this practicum must be done, which has led some students to begin before finishing necessary coursework. To address this issue, the committee recommends requiring all coursework be completed before starting the practicum. This proposal will go before TREC at its November meeting and will be open for public comment if advanced.
The committee discussed license reciprocity between Texas and other states as well. Licensing Division staff explained that such requests are rare and handled individually based on factors like state requirements and whether an applicant has passed the national exam portion.
Lee Warren also announced his departure from TREIC after 13 years of service: “I have been honored to have served on this committee for the last 13 years. I am proud of what we have all accomplished in that time, but it could not have been done without the vast number of people that rarely get recognized for the efforts that they put in.”
Materials from the October meeting are available online along with a recording of proceedings. The next TREIC meeting is scheduled for January 20, 2026 and will be accessible both in person and via livestream.
