The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) convened on January 20, 2026, to address several agenda items, including welcoming new members, electing officers, appointing subcommittees, and reviewing rule changes regarding inspector education and the Standards of Practice (SOPs).
Three individuals joined the committee: Natalie Manzanares and Peter Charles as public members for two-year terms, and Greg House as an inspector member for a six-year term. The committee selected Stephenie Huser as Presiding Officer (Chair), Randy Bayer as Assistant Presiding Officer (Vice Chair), and Cole Robison as Secretary.
Subcommittee appointments included Mike Morgan chairing the Education Subcommittee with Greg House, Natalie Manzanares, and Peter Charles serving alongside him. The Standards of Practice Subcommittee will be chaired by Randy Bayer and include Michael Marlow, Cole Robison, and Rhondalyn Riley.
During the meeting, TREIC discussed proposed revisions to 22 TAC §535.214. These changes clarify that applicants must finish all required qualifying inspection coursework before starting the Texas Practicum. According to the committee: “The rule had already been formally proposed by the Commission at its November meeting and did not receive public comments.” Following discussion, “the committee voted unanimously to recommend adoption of the rule as presented.” The Texas Real Estate Commission adopted this rule in February.
Draft updates to SOPs (22 TAC §§535.227–535.233) were also reviewed. Over the past year, suggested revisions have been informed by feedback from the agency’s enforcement division and updates intended to align practices with current building safety standards.
Key draft changes under review include requiring inspectors to keep completed inspection reports accessible for four years; clarifying when roof surfaces should be physically inspected; specifying requirements for emergency escape openings; updating minimum workspace around electrical panels; clarifying carbon monoxide detector placement in bedrooms with fuel-fired appliances; requiring reporting of electrical conductors found in duct systems; streamlining references to gas systems in plumbing sections; clarifying reporting on gas water heater drain pans; and confirming proper bonding for hydromassage equipment pumps when accessible.
These SOPs changes are still in draft form and will continue to be refined before any formal recommendation is made.
Future meetings are scheduled for April 20, July 20, and October 19 of 2026.
