Mimi, it's a great idea to have the ducts cleaned but, like you, I wasn't aware that task requires a license!  That requirement seems a bit excessive!  

As for why it's suddenly showing up on multiple inspection reports - they probably just had an update course and this was the topic du jour!  

I learned a huge lesson 3 years ago when I couldn't understand why I smelled smoke in my garage. My dryer vent was clogged and dryer overheated. If fire department had not removed it from my garage it would have ignited. I was always conscientious about clearing lint trap, had ducts cleaned every few years, but did not know that the dryer duct is not included in a duct cleaning unless you ask for it and pay extra--I didn't watch that closely and assumed they did it.. Over 100k house fires annually originate in clogged dryer ducts.

Curious that you are getting these requests all of the sudden, but it's good to find out last time seller has them cleaned. Companies like Servpro and Coit will clean them inexpensively--about $125 for mine.

Okay can't help you on duct work, but I keep hearing your name coming up as someone of great knowledge so thought I would check out your post.

There is no law saying you have to be licensed.  It is a scam to say so

Just say NO, if they are unhappy with the job that the unlicensed seller does they can do it themselves.

Maybe they were just looking for a good local busienss / resource to do the job. 

This seems to happen every spring. I can see that it's necessary but this time of year brings the 'squirrels' out of the woodwork.

I didn't know you had to have a license lol .

Interesting.  While important, I can't recall ever seeing this on a request -- I'm sure there must have been a recent class discussing the subject --- I bet the sponsor of the class offered this service.  

Chimney sweeps do that work, which is why they are saying "licensed" which may mean "certified".

I've never had that request.

I like Debe Maxwell, CRS response. A

Although they're not on the top ten list of house fire causes it can occur. Beyond that a clean dryer vent can save a lot of energy. Mimi Poppins you're not!

Here's my dryer duct cleaning license.  Got it in Echo Park for $20

This sounds like a new class or buzzword.  Probably have to throw the phrase "licensed" around to CYA.

What Debe Maxwell, CRS said.  I never had that request but it's actually a good idea.  I think the "licensed" part might be just to verify it's been done.

Did the inspection report recommend a licensed person or did that come directly from the buyers and agents? I suspect there was a continuing ed class somewhere that recommended it. -Kasey

that's silly.... I'd tell the agent to go pound sand....

And next, they will ask to clean the water in baseboard heating system.

Some states require that all air duct cleaners be certified by the state to clean air ducts and have a mechanical contractors license.

I would think that the dryer duct would be included as an air duct.

Eve

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Tell the Buyer Agent - find me a licensed dry duct cleaner and we'll get it done!! 

Dryer fires are very common. Here in VA, and in many other States there is such a thing as being a Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician . Check with some of your local chimney sweeps, many of them are certified to clean and inspect dryer vents and have the equipment needed to do it properly. Not a joke, and it's outside the scope of your real estate license. They do license and certify them in your area. Looks like Ben Chesney is closest one to you.

I don't know about licenses for cleaning dryer ducts. But often HVAC people do that as part of servicing and they do need licenses. By inspection notices, do you mean inspection reports? If so, all inspectors write up recommendations to use a "licensed so and so." If a lightbulb is burnt out they recommend a licensed electrician to change it.

Mimi Foster this is something that the home inspector says to clear himself (or herself.) Just a precaution.

Interesting. That has never come up for me...yet. Not sure they license people here to clean dryer ducts.

That must be the new item coming down from the home inspector institute. I see new things from time to time and then all the inspectors follow suit.

That is going too far

Maybe they just wanted a professional. I haven't heard of a licensed dry duct cleaner.

Meems, the easiest way to clean your ducts, keep them all in a row.

Keeping dryer ducts clean is very important but I have not seen this come up on inspections.  I'm sure the local inspectors got that from one of their meeting when it was brought up or someone had an issue and possibly a fire from a dryer vent.  I've seen these issues come and go and they typically want to CYA. 

I have a great local HVAC Company that has this as part of their service and it's rather inexpensive depending on the span of the ducting.  It's a maintenance issue and something that should be done.  

We require licensed contractors for plumbing, electrical, Hvac work. Sellers often do other jobs themselves.

I clean out my dryer ducts while remove lint off clothing drier.  I vaccum air handling vents making sure there are no dust or debris. I do not have a license in cleaning. 

I think it's a great idea - for a few bucks I'd hire someone!

Our contracts state repairs need to be done by licensed service provides UNLESS both buyer and seller agree to a handyman or someone not licensed. It provides for some latitude on items like this..common sense can prevail!!

Mimi Foster I've only had one buyer who was from New Mexico ask this. It turned out my listing had mold spores in the duct work. My seller mitigated the problem and it closed.

Anyone can get or make-up a license for anything. Who is the sourcing?

It is a new fad that many home inspectors are pushing. I think it filters down from fire inspectors and if the dryer is gas, the even more so. Perhaps the insurance companies are behind this too?

I haven't run across this.

I have used people who specialize in cleaning dryer ducts, but licensed? Not really sure. They did a good job!

Never heard of this.

They should be clean but this is going to far.

Name followed by Licensed and Certified seems like a marketing idea.  On the other hand, it may also state they have passed some background check. What do I know?  Licensed means the state gets money?  This service request could be something we more in the future. 

Seems ridiculous but it's probably due to heavy regulation in your market.