Is an appraiser required to disclose a prior inspection of a property to a new client under USPAP?

An appraiser is indeed required to disclose a prior inspection of a property to a new client under USPAP, unless confidentiality restrictions apply. This obligation aligns with the ethical principles set forth in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, which emphasize transparency and the importance of maintaining trust in the appraisal process.

When appraisers conduct an inspection, the information gathered can influence the understanding of the property’s condition and value. Therefore, it's crucial for appraisers to communicate any previous inspection details to ensure that the new client has a complete picture of any existing knowledge regarding the property. If there are confidentiality constraints from previous assignments or agreements, that may limit what can be disclosed. However, in the absence of such restrictions, previous inspections and their findings should be shared to maintain integrity and provide full disclosure to the new client.

This requirement supports ethical appraisal practices, enhances communication clarity, and helps avoid potential conflicts or misunderstandings that may arise from undisclosed prior knowledge.