Court Refuses to Consider Testimony from Unlicensed Inspector

NEW YORK - A New York Civil Court judge ruled Feb. 16 that a recent state law governing the licensing of home inspectors not only bars expert testimony from unlicensed inspectors but leaves homeowners very little recourse to bring claims against them. Brady v. Posse, No. SCR 1550/06 (N.Y. Civ. Ct., Richmond Cty.).

Richmond County Civil Court Judge Philip S. Straniere dismissed Lori Brady's small claims action against the former owners of her home, ruling that without the testimony from the home inspector Brady could not make a prima facie case.

Brady sued Lourdes Posse in late 2006, contending that …