Under what condition can inspectors accept referral fees from providers?

The acceptance of referral fees from providers is considered acceptable when the inspector has obtained the client's permission. This condition is important because it ensures transparency in the inspector-client relationship. By securing consent, the inspector upholds ethical standards and maintains trust with the client, who should be fully aware of any potential conflicts of interest or financial incentives that may influence the inspection process.

Other options do not align with established ethical guidelines. For example, merely disclosing fees to the public does not guarantee that clients are informed or consenting, and accepting fees without any permission undermines the integrity of the professional relationship. Additionally, limiting the acceptance of referral fees solely to settlement service providers is overly restrictive and does not encompass the broader context of client relationships and permission.