Protecting Your Right to Inspect Before You Commit

Massachusetts is putting homebuyers first with a new law that ensures transparency, choice, and peace of mind when purchasing a property. Whether buying your first home or your next, understanding your legal rights under the Home Inspection Law can save you time, stress, and money.

Buyer Rights

Effective October 15, 2025, buyers have the legal right to a licensed home inspection before purchasing a property this means:

• Sellers and agents must provide a written disclosure affirming this right.
• Buyers are free to schedule inspections, but there’s no requirement to do so.
• The law ensures buyers are informed and protected, not pressured into skipping crucial steps.

Prohibited Conduct

To safeguard buyer interests, sellers and agents are prohibited from:

• Requiring or encouraging buyers to waive their right to inspection.
• Accepting offers that skip inspections as part of the agreement.
• Restricting inspection scheduling or taking actions that result in making the process meaningless.

Required Disclosure

The law mandates a separate disclosure form, which:

• Must be signed by both buyer and seller.
• Must be provided prior to the first contract (offer or purchase & sale).
• Guarantees that the buyer has a reasonable opportunity to inspect the property.

Exemptions

There are some transactions where this law does not apply. These include:

• Sales between relatives or ex-spouses
• Transactions before October 15, 2025
• Foreclosures or estate planning transfers
• Pre-completion new builds with a written one-year warranty

In these cases, the standard inspection law may not apply, though a private inspection is still an option.

Consequences for Noncompliance

Violations of the Home Inspection Law are taken seriously and may be considered unfair or deceptive practices under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 93A. This could result in:

• Consumer protection claims
• Disciplinary action against agents
• Civil liability for misrepresentation

Bottom line: following the law is not optional — it’s essential.

Your Home, Your Protection

As of October 15, 2025, the New Massachusetts Law is in full effect. It reinforces your right to inspect and holds sellers and agents accountable.

At Simple Title, we don’t just handle the paperwork — we make sure you understand your rights and feel confident from start to finish.

Ready to close with confidence?
Reach out to the Simple Title team today.