What This Statute Says
Home inspectors are licensed in Arizona under Title 32, Chapter 1. This section sets the deadline for a homeowner to sue a certified inspector for damages, whether the claim sounds in contract, tort, or negligence.
A homeowner who has a cause of action for damages against a home inspector who is certified pursuant to title 32, chapter 1 shall commence the action within four years after the cause of action accrues.
A.R.S. § 12-530When This Statute Comes Into Play
Common situations:
- An estate sells a home and the buyer later sues the prior inspector for missing a major defect.
- A family discovers serious issues with a recently inherited home that an inspector failed to identify.
- A trustee selling trust real property faces inspector liability concerns on a recent transaction.
What This Means for Arizona Families
Real estate transactions touch nearly every Arizona estate. When something goes wrong after a sale, the home inspector is often one of the first targets. This statute sets the calendar.
If you serve as a personal representative or trustee selling estate or trust property, document the inspection process carefully. If you are on the buying side and discover that an inspector missed an obvious defect, do not let the four-year window slip. Our FAQ on managing real estate during probate or trust administration covers the broader real property issues. An Arizona real estate or probate attorney can coordinate any inspector liability claim alongside the estate's other interests. Pairing this potential claim with a careful review of the title commitment and any warranty deed protections helps the fiduciary identify the strongest path to recovery for the beneficiaries.