The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) convened on October 13 at the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) headquarters in Austin to discuss updates from subcommittees, changes to standards of practice, education requirements, and license reciprocity.
During the meeting, the Standards of Practice (SOP) Subcommittee presented its initial draft of proposed SOP revisions. The subcommittee has been reviewing these standards for nearly two years. Among several minor non-substantive changes, a significant proposal involves moving three sections from the appliance category to the HVAC section in inspection reports. This change is intended to better categorize systems related to ventilation but raised concerns about potential confusion for consumers. The committee decided to return both the SOPs and Property Inspection Report Form to the subcommittee for further review based on this feedback.
Another suggested amendment would require inspectors to keep inspection reports accessible for at least four years after completion. This aligns with the statute of limitations for filing complaints against inspectors.
According to Lee Warren, Chair of TREIC, “The first set of actual proposed SOP changes, including a possible report form change, will likely be recommended for proposal to the Commission at the January 20, 2026 TREIC 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.”
If recommended changes are made at that meeting, they could be forwarded to TREC commissioners in February 2026. Before adoption, there will be an opportunity for public comment. The earliest new SOP changes could take effect is May 2026.
The Education Subcommittee also addressed when prelicensure students should complete their required coursework relative to the mandatory 40-hour Texas Practicum. Currently, there is no rule specifying timing; some students have started their Practicum before finishing necessary coursework. To address this issue, TREIC recommends requiring all coursework be completed prior to beginning the Practicum—a rule change that will be considered by TREC in November with public input invited if proposed.
On license reciprocity between states, Licensing Division staff reported that requests are handled individually depending on requirements in other states and whether applicants have passed national exams.
Chair Lee Warren announced his departure from TREIC after 13 years: “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. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve over the last 13 years, and I will continue to be involved in the industry for years to come.”
Materials from this meeting are available online along with a recording. The next TREIC meeting is scheduled for January 20, 2026 and can be attended either in person or via livestream.
