Vanishing Septic Dye Tests in New Jersey

Advisory Report - November 2003

Vanishing Septic Dye Tests in New Jersey

New inspector licensing laws in New Jersey may result in the elimination of Septic Dye Testing as a regular part of the home inspection.

Not just anyone can inspect homes in New Jersey anymore. A new law has been passed which will require all home inspectors in the state to be licensed by the state Department of Law and Public Safety. The deadline to obtain a license was originally scheduled for December 31st, 2003 but has now been pushed back to June 30, 2004. 

The new law requires inspectors to follow new guidelines upon receiving their license and is expected to increase the fees associated with licensing. This is expected to reduce the number of home inspectors available. However, research indicates that the cost increase will not be dramatic as originally feared. The intent of the new laws is for all home inspectors to be properly educated, trained and experienced before a license can be obtained.

This emphasis on proper training of inspectors is causing a ripple which is already being felt within the relocation world. Septic Dye testing, along with all other septic type certification, can now only be performed by those with the proper license in New Jersey. The necessary qualification is either a license from the Board of Professional Engineers or to be registered with the state as an environmental health specialist. The number of inspector who do meet this requirement is likely to increase, but for the immediate future the average home inspector will not fit the bill. 

For further information on licensing rules and regulations, please contact your U.S. Inspect account representative at any time. 

Click here for more information about new licensing regulations in New Jersey. 

Contributed by Brian Lynch
Relocation Account Specialist
U.S. Inspect, LLC