Texas Home Inspections: The Complete 2026 Guide

Texas has the most specific home inspection rules of any state — every inspection must follow TREC §535.223 and use the official REI 7-6 form. This guide explains the form, the rules, the licensing path, and the software Texas inspectors use to stay compliant.

Texas Inspection Resources

Texas TREC REI 7-6 — What You Need to Know

The REI 7-6 form is the only legal residential inspection report format in Texas. Every licensed inspector must use it, fill out every required section, and include written comments for every deficiency. The current revision is dated 8/10/21.

What the REI 7-6 covers

• Section I — Structural Systems: Foundation, grading and drainage, roof covering, roof structure, attic, walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, stairways, fireplaces, porches
• Section II — Electrical Systems: Service entrance, branch circuits, devices, fixtures
• Section III — Heating, Ventilation, AC: Heating, cooling, ducts, vents
• Section IV — Plumbing: Pipes, fixtures, drains, water heating, hydromassage
• Section V — Appliances: Dishwasher, disposal, range, oven, microwave, vent hood, etc.
• Section VI — Optional Systems: Landscape irrigation, swimming pool, outbuildings, gas lines

Common compliance pitfalls

• Marking an item "Deficient" without a corresponding written comment (§535.223 violation)
• Skipping required sections without explanation
• Using a non-standard form or a software-generated form that omits required fields
• Failing to provide the report to the client within the required timeframe

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TREC REI 7-6 form?

The TREC REI 7-6 (Rev. 8/10/21) is the official Texas Real Estate Commission home inspection report form. All licensed Texas home inspectors must use this form for residential property inspections under TREC §535.223.

What is TREC §535.223?

TREC §535.223 is the Texas administrative rule that governs the standards of practice for home inspectors, including required report content, format, and the use of the REI 7-6 form. See our TREC inspection software guide for the full requirements.

How do I become a Texas home inspector?

Texas requires inspectors to be licensed by TREC. The path includes pre-license education (depending on license level — Apprentice, Real Estate, or Professional), sponsorship under a licensed inspector, and passing the TREC inspector exam. Most new inspectors begin as an Apprentice while accumulating supervised inspections.

Can I use software for TREC inspections?

Yes. Software must produce a report in the official REI 7-6 format with all required fields and comments. InspectorData has the REI 7-6 form built-in with §535.223-compliant validation that flags missing comments before you finalize.