CONP0156 – Application for a Home Inspection Business Licence

Jurisdiction: Country: Canada | Province: Alberta

What is a CONP0156 – Application for a Home Inspection Business Licence?

CONP0156 is the provincial application you use to license a home inspection business in Alberta. The licence lets you advertise and sell home inspection services to the public. It sits under Alberta’s consumer protection framework. It is required whether you are a sole proprietor, a corporation, or a partnership. It is separate from an individual home inspector licence. If you inspect homes yourself, you need both licences: one for you, one for your business.

This form collects detailed information about your business, owners, and operations. You must attach proof of insurance and your standard client documents. Those include your pre‑inspection contract and your inspection report template. You also disclose any relevant criminal history, bankruptcies, or regulatory actions. The Registrar uses this package to assess your fitness to hold a licence. If approved, you receive a licence certificate with an expiry date and conditions.

Who typically uses this form?

• Owners, partners, and officers of home inspection firms. Franchise operators and franchisors expanding into Alberta. Sole proprietors going out on their own. Out‑of‑province companies planning to inspect Alberta properties. Existing licensees also use it to renew, reinstate, or amend their licence.

Why would you need this form?

• You cannot lawfully offer or advertise home inspections in Alberta without the business licence. Clients and real estate professionals expect to see your licence number. Lenders, relocation companies, and brokerages often ask for a copy. Your insurance broker may also request it when binding coverage. If you want to hire inspectors or bid on work, licensing is a baseline requirement.

Typical usage scenarios

• You are launching a home inspection company and need to start booking clients.
• You are a licensed inspector who has been operating as a subcontractor and now want to brand your own company.
• You are incorporating your existing sole proprietorship and need to update the licence to the new entity.
• You bought a home inspection business. You must re‑licence under the new ownership.
• You are expanding into Alberta from another province. You need an Alberta business licence before marketing.
• Your licence is approaching expiry. You use the same form to renew, updating insurance and any ownership changes.
• You are changing your trade name or adding a new one. You submit an amendment with the form and fee.

In short, CONP0156 is the gateway to legally run a home inspection business in Alberta. It aligns your operations with provincial rules on contracts, disclosures, and insurance.

When Would You Use a CONP0156 – Application for a Home Inspection Business Licence?

You use CONP0156 at several key points in your business lifecycle. At startup, you file it before you advertise services or accept payment. Many owners file right after registering their legal entity and securing insurance. If you begin trading without the licence, you risk enforcement and business delays. Filing early avoids that.

You also use it when your business changes in a way that affects licensing. That includes new owners, new directors, or a change in control. It includes a change to your legal name or trade name. It includes relocation of your principal place of business. A meaningful change in your insurance coverage or provider also triggers an update. The regulator expects timely notice of changes, not just at renewal.

If you are a franchise, you use this form to license the corporate entity that signs client contracts. Each franchise location may operate under the franchisor’s corporate licence if structured that way. Often, each franchisee holds its own business licence, even if they share brand assets. The key question is which entity contracts with the consumer and carries the insurance. That entity must hold the licence.

Out‑of‑province businesses use CONP0156 when they intend to inspect properties in Alberta. This applies even if you only send inspectors across the border occasionally. Alberta licensing is location‑specific to the consumer transaction. Selling or performing the inspection for an Alberta property triggers the requirement.

If you let your licence lapse, you use this form to reinstate. During lapse, you must stop offering or performing inspections. You also use the form to convert your licence when you change from a sole proprietorship to a corporation. The old licence does not automatically move to the new entity. You submit a fresh application and supporting documents.

Finally, you use CONP0156 to renew each year. You update any changed details, attach current insurance certificates, and pay the fee. Renewal is not automatic. Plan ahead so there is no gap in your authority to operate.

Legal Characteristics of the CONP0156 – Application for a Home Inspection Business Licence

The application itself is not a contract with a consumer. It is a regulatory filing that supports issuance of a provincial licence. That licence is a legal authorization to carry on a designated business activity in Alberta. The authorization is subject to conditions set by the Registrar. It can be refused, suspended, cancelled, or made subject to terms.

Your signatures and declarations on CONP0156 are legally binding. You attest that the information is true, complete, and not misleading. You acknowledge that the regulator can verify your information. You also agree to comply with Alberta’s consumer protection laws and any regulations specific to home inspection businesses. False or incomplete information can lead to refusal, administrative penalties, or prosecution. It can also void your licence once issued.

What ensures enforceability?

Enforceability rests on three pillars. First, statutory authority: the province regulates home inspection businesses and sets licensing standards. Second, truth and disclosure: the application demands specific facts about ownership, operations, history, and insurance. The regulator cross‑checks these against public and private databases. Third, continuing obligations: once licensed, you must use compliant contracts, provide written reports, disclose limitations, keep records, and maintain insurance. The Registrar can audit you, investigate complaints, and impose sanctions for non‑compliance.

Your privacy rights are also at play. The application explains why personal information is collected and how it will be used. That includes fitness assessments for owners and officers. You typically consent to background checks, including criminal and regulatory histories. The regulator uses that data to assess risk to consumers and the marketplace.

The licence does not replace other legal needs. You still must follow municipal business bylaws and federal or provincial tax rules. You must meet employment standards if you hire staff. You must obey marketing and advertising laws. Your contracts must include specific content to be enforceable in this sector. The licensing decision and any conditions attach to the licensed entity. If that entity changes, your licence status changes with it.

In practice, the legal weight behind the licence helps your business. It builds trust with clients and referral partners. It sets clear standards for your contracts and reports. It also gives you a framework to manage complaints and refunds in a fair, consistent way.

How to Fill Out a CONP0156 – Application for a Home Inspection Business Licence

Follow these steps in order. Have your corporate documents and insurance ready. Use the legal names that appear on official records. Type your answers if possible. Keep sentences clear and consistent across attachments.

1) Identify your business

• Enter the full legal name of the applicant entity. Use your exact corporate, partnership, or personal legal name.
• Enter any trade name(s) you use in Alberta. Trade names must be registered if you use them in the marketplace.
• Indicate your business structure: corporation, partnership, or sole proprietor.
• Provide your Alberta corporate registration number, if incorporated. If federally incorporated or extra‑provincial, include that registration number as well.
• Provide your business mailing and physical addresses. Use a street address for the physical location, not a PO Box. If you are home‑based, list your home office.
• Provide primary contact details. Include name, title, phone, and email for the person who will handle licensing questions.

2) Appoint an authorized signing officer

• Name the person who has authority to bind the applicant. For a corporation, this is a director, officer, or authorized manager. For a partnership or sole proprietor, it is an owner.
• This person will sign the declarations. Ensure they understand the obligations and penalties for false statements.

3) List owners, partners, and directors

• Disclose all individuals and legal entities with a significant ownership interest or control. Include directors for corporations and partners for partnerships.
• For each individual, provide full legal name, date of birth, residential address, and position or role.
• If a holding company owns shares, list it and then list the individuals who own or control that company. Provide a simple ownership chart if needed.
• Use an attached “Schedule of Owners and Officers” if the form’s space is not enough. Number the pages and reference them in the main form.

4) Disclose background information

• Answer “Yes” or “No” to questions about prior bankruptcies, receiverships, or consumer proposals for the business or its principals.
• Disclose any criminal charges or convictions related to fraud, dishonesty, or consumer harm. Provide dates and outcomes.
• Disclose past licence suspensions, refusals, or cancellations in any province or sector. Include details and the regulator’s name.
• If asked, attach a recent police information check for owners and officers. Ensure the check is current as required by the form.
• Be complete and candid. If in doubt, disclose and explain. Attach a short statement with context and any rehabilitation steps.

5) Provide insurance details and certificates

• Home inspection businesses must carry both errors and omissions (E&O) and commercial general liability (CGL) insurance. Maintain continuous coverage.
• Confirm coverage limits that meet or exceed provincial requirements. The minimums commonly expected are seven figures per occurrence or claim.
• Attach certificates of insurance. Show the named insured exactly matches the applicant entity. Include policy numbers, effective dates, and expiry dates.
• Confirm the policy includes coverage for contracted inspectors if you use them. If not, you must ensure each contractor has their own coverage that meets the same standards.
• If your insurer requires special conditions or endorsements, attach those pages. Make sure there are no exclusions that undermine inspection work.

6) Identify your inspectors

• List all inspectors who perform work under your business. For each, provide full name and individual licence number, if issued or pending.
• If inspectors are independent contractors, indicate that and note how your contracts and insurance address the relationship.
• Use an attached “Schedule of Inspectors” if needed.

7) Attach your standard client documents

• Pre‑inspection contract: Attach the document you use with clients before the inspection. It must clearly describe the scope, limitations, exclusions, fees, payment terms, and cancellation rights. It must identify the property and parties, and include your business name, address, and licence number.
• Inspection report template: Attach the written report format you provide to clients. It should align with common standards of practice for visual, non‑invasive inspections. It should include the inspector’s name and individual licence number, inspection date, and property address.
• Fee schedule or rate card: Attach your standard pricing or show how your contract states the fee. Be clear and avoid hidden charges.
• Complaint handling policy: Attach a short policy describing how clients can submit concerns, how you respond, and expected timelines.

8) Confirm operational details

• Describe your service scope: pre‑purchase, pre‑listing, new home, warranty, condominium, rural, or specialty areas.
• Note your geographic coverage within Alberta. This helps the regulator understand your presence and supports future inquiries.
• Confirm your record‑keeping practices. State that you keep contracts, reports, and related notes for the required retention period. Indicate how you store records securely and how you can produce them on request.
• If you collect deposits or prepayments, state how you handle client funds. Describe how and when you provide receipts and refunds.

9) Declare compliance and consent

• Read the declarations. You are confirming that all information and attachments are true and complete.
• You consent to the collection and verification of personal information for licensing purposes. Ensure all listed individuals understand and consent.
• You agree to comply with all laws that apply to home inspection businesses in Alberta. This includes contract content, disclosure, advertising, and record‑keeping rules.

10) Pay the fee

• Calculate the correct application or renewal fee. Fees are typically non‑refundable.
• Pay using an accepted method as directed on the form. Keep your receipt. If you pay online, download the confirmation page or email.

11) Review and sign

• Have the authorized signing officer sign and date the form. Use wet ink if you submit on paper. Use the designated e‑signature method if you submit online.
• If required, affix the corporate seal or attach a directors’ resolution authorizing the signatory. Many regulators accept an officer’s signature without a seal. The form will specify.

12) Submit your application

• Submit the completed form, attachments, and payment confirmation together. Label your attachments clearly. Use consistent file names if electronic.
• Keep a full copy of your submission package. This becomes your compliance file and will help with renewal.

13) Respond to follow‑up requests

• The regulator may ask for more information. Common requests include clearer insurance wording, missing signature pages, or a revised contract clause.
• Respond promptly and completely to avoid delays. Track deadlines and confirm receipt of your responses.

14) After approval: set up compliant operations

• Display your business licence at your place of business. Include your licence number on contracts, invoices, reports, and marketing.
• Verify that each inspector holds or obtains an individual licence before inspecting. Cross‑check licence numbers against your internal roster.
• Train your team on your contract, report template, and complaint process. Use checklists to ensure consistent delivery.
• Calendar your renewal date 60 to 90 days in advance. Update insurance well before expiry so your coverage remains continuous.

15) Update the licence when things change

• Report changes to owners, directors, legal name, trade names, contact information, or business address. Submit an amendment using this form.
• If your insurance changes, file updated certificates right away. Do not let coverage lapse. Continuous coverage is critical.
• If you cease operations, surrender the licence. Keep records for the retention period in case of future inquiries.

Practical tips to avoid common errors

• Align names across documents. Your legal name must match on the form, insurance certificates, and corporate records. If you operate under a trade name, list both.
• Ensure your contract and report templates include your business name and licence number. Many delays arise from missing identifiers.
• Confirm your E&O retroactive date covers prior work if you are renewing or changing insurers. Gaps can expose you to uncovered claims.
• Disclose completely. Regulators are more concerned with omissions than with past issues you have resolved and explained.
• Maintain a clean, organized submission. Page‑number attachments and include a contents list if your package is long.

Real‑world examples

• You are a licensed home inspector who has been subcontracting under another firm’s banner. You decide to brand your own company. You incorporate, then complete CONP0156 in the corporation’s name. You list yourself as director and authorized signing officer. You buy E&O and CGL in the corporation’s name. You attach your pre‑inspection contract that names the corporation and shows your new business licence number placeholder. You list yourself on the inspector schedule with your individual licence number. You sign, pay the fee, and submit. After approval, you update your website and marketing to include the business licence number and start booking under your own brand.
• You purchase an existing inspection firm. The seller’s licence does not transfer to you. You file a new CONP0156 for your acquisition vehicle. You disclose the ownership change and attach updated insurance certificates naming your entity. You adopt the firm’s contract and report template, but you update them to reflect your new legal name and licence number. You file promptly so there is no interruption in scheduled inspections.

Filling out CONP0156 is detail‑heavy, but straightforward if you prepare. Gather your ownership details, insurance certificates, and client documents in advance. Complete the form in one sitting. Be clear and consistent. That will set you up for a quick approval and a clean audit trail for the future.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• Applicant means the legal entity asking for the licence. On CONP0156, you identify whether you are a sole proprietor, a partnership, or a corporation. The name you enter here is the legal name that will hold the licence.
• Authorized representative is the person who signs and submits the form for the business. This person can be an owner, director, officer, or another person with written authority. On the form, you confirm this authority and accept responsibility for the accuracy of the submission.
• Trade name is the name you use in the marketplace that is different from your legal name. If you operate under a trade name, you disclose it on the form. You must ensure the trade name is properly registered before listing it.
• Directors, officers, and owners are the people who control the business. CONP0156 asks you to list them. The form may also ask for birthdates and home addresses for background checks. You must disclose anyone with a significant interest or control, not just day-to-day managers.
• Physical business address is where you operate. Mailing address is where you receive mail. The form asks for both. You cannot use a post office box as your physical address. If you work from home, you list your home office as the physical address.
• Home inspection business licence is different from an individual home inspector licence. CONP0156 is for the business entity. If you employ or contract inspectors, they may need their own licences. The business licence does not replace any required individual licence.
• Errors and omissions insurance covers professional mistakes and missed defects. Commercial general liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage claims. The form asks you to attach proof of current insurance with required coverage. The certificates must name the licensed business and show policy numbers and expiry dates.
• Background check consent authorizes the licensing office to verify the information you provide. On CONP0156, you consent to checks on owners, directors, and associated individuals. You must disclose prior offences, bankruptcies, or regulatory actions if asked.
• Licence term and expiry define how long your licence is valid. The form will capture your requested start date. You must renew before the expiry date to avoid a lapse in authority to operate.
• Conditions are requirements placed on your licence. These may relate to insurance, reporting, or how you advertise. CONP0156 includes a declaration that you will follow any conditions on the licence. Breaching conditions can lead to suspension or cancellation.
• Amendment means a change to your licence after it is issued. Common amendments include a new trade name, a change in ownership, or a new business address. The form and declaration remind you to report material changes within the required time.
• Declaration is your sworn statement that the information is true and complete. The person who signs CONP0156 confirms they have authority and that the business will comply with the law. False statements can lead to refusal, penalties, or prosecution.
• Record retention is the requirement to keep your application and supporting documents. You must keep copies of the completed CONP0156, insurance certificates, and any approvals. The licensing office can ask you to produce these records later.

FAQs

Do you need a business licence if you are the only inspector?

Yes. The business must be licensed even if you are the only person doing inspections. Your business licence covers the entity. If the province requires an individual licence for inspectors, you still need both.

Do you need separate licences for each location?

No, not usually. You list your head office and any additional locations on CONP0156. If you open a new location after licensing, you file an amendment so the licence reflects current addresses.

Do you need to include subcontractors on the application?

You list the business owners and controllers. You do not list every subcontractor. That said, subcontracted inspectors may need their own licences. Your business must ensure every inspector who works under your brand is properly licensed.

Do you have to register a trade name before applying?

Yes, if you will use a trade name. Your legal name goes on the licence, and your trade name appears as an operating name. Register your trade name first, then include it on CONP0156.

Do you need insurance before you apply?

Yes. You must attach current errors and omissions and general liability certificates with the application. The certificates need to meet the minimum coverage required. If your insurance expires during review, you may face delays and a request for updated proof.

Do you have to submit a criminal record check?

The form includes background check consent and disclosure questions for owners and directors. The licensing office may request a criminal record document. If they do, follow the instructions they provide and submit it promptly.

Do you need to renew the business licence every year?

Yes, the licence has an expiry date. You must renew before it expires to keep operating. Start early so you have current insurance and updated information ready.

Do you need to update the licence when ownership changes?

Yes. Any change in ownership, directors, trade name, or address must be reported. File an amendment within the required time. Operating with outdated information can lead to penalties or suspension.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the CONP0156 – Application for a Home Inspection Business Licence

Before signing

• Confirm your legal structure. Have proof of registration for a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship.
• Register any trade name you will use. Keep the registration document handy.
• Gather ownership details. List all directors, officers, and owners with addresses and birthdates.
• Prepare disclosure details. Note any prior offences, bankruptcies, or regulatory actions for owners and directors.
• Obtain insurance certificates. Get current errors and omissions and general liability certificates showing coverage, policy numbers, and expiry dates.
• Verify your physical business address. If you work from home, confirm the municipal address format.
• Prepare identification for the authorized representative. Have a government-issued ID available if requested.
• Set your preferred start date. Align it with when you can legally operate.
• Arrange payment. Have a valid payment method ready for fees.
• Create a secure file for your records. Plan where you will store the signed form and attachments.

During signing

• Check the legal name. Make sure it matches your registration exactly, including punctuation.
• Confirm the trade name spelling. It should match the registration without variation.
• Verify all owner and director details. Ensure dates of birth and addresses are complete and consistent.
• Review insurance information. The business name on the certificate must match your application. Note the policy expiry dates.
• Confirm contact emails and phone numbers. These must be monitored accounts for official notices.
• Read the declaration in full. Ensure the authorized representative has authority to bind the business.
• Answer all disclosure questions. Do not leave any required field blank. If “not applicable,” state that clearly.
• Review privacy and consent sections. Make sure you understand what you authorize.
• Double-check attachments. Include insurance certificates, trade name proof, and any supporting documents requested.
• Sign and date where indicated. If a wet signature is required, sign in ink. If electronic, follow the signature instructions.

After signing

• Submit the application using the required method. Keep a copy of the submission confirmation.
• Pay the fee in full. Save the receipt with the application file.
• Calendar key dates. Note policy expiries and the expected licence term and renewal date.
• Watch for follow-up requests. Respond quickly to any request for clarifications or records.
• Store the signed form and all attachments. Keep them in a secure but accessible location.
• Prepare to display the licence. If a display is required, plan where and how you will post it.
• Update your templates. Add your licence number to your contracts, invoices, and marketing if required.
• Set a change-notification process. Assign responsibility for filing amendments when your business details change.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in CONP0156 – Application for a Home Inspection Business Licence

• Forgetting to attach current insurance certificates. This causes immediate delays or refusal. Don’t forget to include both errors and omissions and general liability.
• Listing a trade name that is not registered. The licensing office may hold or reject the file. Register the trade name first and match the exact spelling.
• Omitting an owner or director. Incomplete ownership disclosure can trigger background concerns. It may lead to refusal or penalties.
• Using a post office box as the physical address. You must provide a real street address. A PO box can stall the application.
• Signing without proper authority. If the signer cannot bind the business, the office will reject the form. Confirm the authorized representative before you sign.

What to Do After Filling Out CONP0156 – Application for a Home Inspection Business Licence

1. Submit your application and pay the fee. Keep proof of submission and payment with your records. If the office acknowledges receipt, save that email or letter.
2. Track follow-up requests. The licensing office may ask for clarifications, updated insurance, or extra documents. Respond within the timeline provided. Late responses can reset review timelines.
3. Plan for inspection of your materials. You may need to show sample contracts, reports, and marketing that meet disclosure rules. Get those ready now.
4. Prepare for approval conditions. Your licence may include conditions. Read them carefully and set internal controls to meet them. Assign responsibility to a specific person.
5. Set up licence display and number usage. If you must display the licence at your premises, mount it in a visible area. If you must show your licence number in ads or documents, update your templates and website.
6. Update your compliance calendar. Record your licence expiry, insurance renewal dates, and internal review dates. Reconcile them so you never operate with expired coverage or licences.
7. Train your team. Brief staff and contractors on the licence scope and conditions. Make sure they know how to answer client questions about your licence status.
8. Establish a change-control process. If you change address, owners, directors, or trade names, file an amendment promptly. Keep a checklist and template ready to avoid missing details.
9. Archive your records. Store the completed CONP0156, supporting documents, correspondence, the licence certificate, and any conditions. Keep both digital and paper copies if possible.
10. Prepare for renewal early. Start your renewal process well before expiry. Update ownership details, refresh insurance certificates, and verify all addresses and contacts.