New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 19 - DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Chapter V - Division Of Corporations And State Records
Subchapter J - Home Inspectors
Part 197 - Home Inspectors
Subpart 197-4 - Code Of Ethics And Regulations For Home Inspectors
Section 197-4.2 - Written contracts

(a) Prior to performing a home inspection, home inspectors shall provide a client with a written pre-inspection agreement that clearly and fully describes the scope of service to be provided and the cost associated with that service. All said contracts shall contain the following clauses which shall be printed in type size of not less than six point:

"Home inspectors are licensed by the NYS Department of State. Home Inspectors may only report on readily accessible and observed conditions as outlined in this pre-inspection agreement, Article 12 B of the Real Property Law and the regulations promulgated thereunder including, but not limited to, the Code of Ethics and Regulations and the Standards of Practice as provided in Title 19 NYCRR Subparts 197-4 and 197-5 et seq. Home inspectors are not permitted to provide engineering or architectural services."; and

"If immediate threats to health or safety are observed during the course of the inspection, the client hereby consents to allow the home inspector to disclose such immediate threats to health or safety to the property owner and/or occupants of the property."

(b) Home inspectors shall discuss the scope of the inspection with the client and only perform services which have been duly authorized by the client.