A bill for an act relating to home inspections, including persons authorized to perform home inspections and requirements for independent home inspection reports, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.

SSB 1144 requires sellers in Iowa to recommend that buyers obtain independent home inspection reports from authorized professionals (licensed home inspectors, architects, or engineers). The bill prohibits inspectors from performing repairs for extra fees within 12 months of an inspection (except for radon/pests), having financial interests in inspected properties without disclosure, or accepting kickbacks. Inspection reports must clearly describe defects, include specific disclaimers about limitations, and follow standardized formats. These changes directly affect home sellers, inspectors, and buyers by enhancing transparency and reducing conflicts of interest in home sales.