Arizona Home Inspector Bond

Anyone looking to become a home inspector in Arizona needs to get certified by the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration (AZ BTR). To do so, you must pass a course and exam, complete a criminal background check, and have financial assurance—such as a $25,000 Arizona Home Inspector Bond.

An Arizona Home Inspector Bond is a licensing surety bond that protects the financial well-being of the general public. It ensures that the home inspector follows all laws and regulations pursuant to Title 32 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. If they fail to do so, the harmed person can make a claim against the bond to recoup financial losses caused by the inspector's unlawful behavior.

Every AZ Home Inspector Bond is a contract between three parties:

1. Principal – the home inspector that needs to get bonded.
2. Obligee – the organization that wants the home inspector bonded (the AZ BTR)
3. Surety – the surety company issuing and financially backing the bond (Ex. Lance Surety Bonds). If a valid claim is made against the bond, the surety pays it in a timely manner. However, the principal is then required to pay them back in full.

This bond is a form of financial assurance. It must be on file for as long as an inspector's certificate is active. Plus, two years after the certification goes inactive.

See How Do Surety Bonds Work? for more information.

Anyone seeking their Arizona home inspector certification needs a Home Inspector Bond. It is a prerequisite for accreditation through the AZ BTR.

This surety bond is one type of financial assurance you can use to get your Arizona home inspector certification. Other options include $200,000 Errors and Omissions Insurance or $25,000 in net assets. Most opt for the bond option as it is inexpensive and doesn't tie up assets.

• Important: Your certification shall be automatically suspended if you fail to maintain financial assurance.

An Arizona Home Inspector Bond costs as little as $200. Unlike other surety bonds, this bond's price doesn't hinge on credit score. Instead, applicants are all given a similar flat rate—generally around $200 annually, but it varies with each surety company.

Saving money: You can reduce your bond rate by asking for a multi-year bond term.

Our home inspector client, John, recently contacted us regarding his bond renewal. As a self-proclaimed forgetful person, he admitted that he almost missed the renewal date. Our bond expert suggested swapping over to a multi-year bond term, eliminating the yearly renewal (and providing a discounted annual rate!). John happily switched over.

Get a Free Bond Quote

1. Fill Out a Bond Application

Our free online bond application provides an instant bond quote, allowing you to get bonded the same day. Please have the following information available when applying:

• Bond Name (Home Inspector Bond / Licensing Bond)
• Bond Amount ($25,000)
• Contact Information

Note that this bond must be issued by a surety company licensed to do business in Arizona. Lance Surety Bonds is licensed in all US states.

2. Receive Your Free Bond Quote

Check your email for your bond quote. Usually, this email arrives within a couple of minutes. Don't forget to check your Spam Folder.

3. Get Your Home Inspector Bond

Follow the instructions in the email to pay for your bond online. An electronic copy will be sent to you as soon as your payment clears.

Just like your home inspector certification, your Home Inspector Bond must be renewed annually. The exception is if you have a multi-year bond term, which is valid for a longer period (generally 2 – 4 years).

• Your certificate needs to be renewed through the AZ BTR.
• Your Home Inspector Bond needs to be renewed through your surety provider. Note that your bond must be active for the full duration of your certification PLUS two years after your certification becomes inactive.

See our Bond Renewal Guide for more information.

What are the prerequisites for obtaining an Arizona home inspector certification?

To get an Arizona home inspector certification, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have passed a course of study that meets the standards approved by the board. Additionally, those looking to get their certification must:

• Have passed the National Home Inspector Exam within the past two years.
• Prove they completed 30 parallel home inspections (home inspections conducted with a supervising home inspector present).
• Provide a valid Fingerprint Clearance Card from the Arizona Board of Fingerprinting.
• Not have had a certificate denied or revoked within the past year.
• Have received an absolute discharge from any sentence at least five years before the application (if convicted of one or more felonies.)
• Provide evidence that they can obtain financial assurance through:
  1. A $25,000 surety bond
  2. $200,000 Errors and Omissions Insurance
  3. $25,000 net assets

How long is the home inspector certification valid?

A home inspector certification in Arizona is valid for one year from the date of issuance. While the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration will send you a certification renewal notice, it is ultimately up to you to renew your certification on time.

Can I get bonded with bad credit?

Yes, you can get bonded with bad credit. The Arizona Home Inspector Bond's price and approval doesn't hinge on your credit score like most surety bonds. Instead, this bond is issued to all applicants at a flat rate price.

Get a Free Bond Quote.

2024 Arizona Revised Statutes : Title 32 - Professions and Occupations. (n.d.). In Justia Law. Retrieved April 8, 2025, from
https://law.justia.com/codes/arizona/title-32

Home Inspections General Information. (n.d.). In State Board of Technical Registration. Retrieved April 8, 2025, from
https://btr.az.gov/home-inspections-general-information

What is a Surety Bond? (n.d.). In Lance Surety Bonds. Retrieved April 8, 2025, from
https://www.lancesuretybonds.com/learn/what-is-a-surety-bond