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FROM THE EDITOR
5
T H E C A N A D I A N
HOME INSPECTOR
Welcome to the Canadian Home Inspector!
Fall 2011 Edition
I
n early August a major house fire in Toronto’s east
end left the two tenants dead. You can read the
news piece about it on page 27. Fire investigators
found the home lacking functional smoke alarms
and a proper fire-rated door, along with unsafe wir-
ing. Now the homeowner is facing some pretty seri-
ous charges. It was reported that each count carries
a maximum fine of $50K. I wouldn’t be surprised if
the families of the deceased sue the landlord, to boot.
This got me thinking. If the landlord bought the house as a rental property
and had it professionally inspected, can the inspector be found partially liable
in the death of those tenants? What if he/she missed the wiring and/or gave
inaccurate, misleading or no information on the obligations and legalities of
owning a rental property? I’m not suggesting quoting fire or building codes in
the report, but at least directing the owner to seek professional guidance from
municipal and fire officials, and his insurance company, prior to purchase. As
well, did the inspector clearly note the limitations of a home inspection as it
pertains to rental properties?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter. Also, when you come across a
rental/income property, how do you write it up in the report? Do you direct
them to the appropriate authorities for a specialized inspection? Do you spe-
cifically limit your liabilities around fire-related code issues pertaining to rental
units? Feel free to write in and let us know what you think and how you’d
comment on this in your report.
Once more, we remind you that we would love to hear from you. Send your
submissions, story ideas, suggestions, feedback, letters to the editor, or
whatever to Dave Bottoms at dave@ideacafe.ca. See you next issue!
Enjoy!
Dave Bottoms, Editor-in-Chief
The Canadian Home Inspector Magazine
Dave Bottoms, Editor-in-Chief
Alrek Meipoom, Founding Editor
Sharry Featherston, Publisher
Kirk Iredale, RHI
Magazine Committee
Laurel Harris, RHI
Doug Wilson, RHI
Jean Laframboise, RHI
Sharry Featherston
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on all that is new and newsworthy in the home inspection
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