Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Code of Ethics

RIA members adopt and abide by the following Code of Ethics


As providers of property damage restoration, remediation, and cleaning services to the public, RIA members agree to adhere to the following RIA Code of Ethics.


I. Integrity and Professionalism

  • We will uphold the integrity and dignity of the profession and not engage in practices that could bring discredit to the property restoration industry.
  • We will not complete work at the expense of safety or workmanship.
  • We will provide services in a professional and workmanlike manner.
  • We will approach restoration projects with impartiality and objectivity regardless of relationships, or referral sources of the project, or who is responsible for payment of services.
  • We will contract services that we can provide in a timely manner.
  • We will acknowledge and correct factual mistakes promptly and with integrity.
  • We will refrain from making false or deceptive statements regarding third parties, including our competitors.

II. Client Protection and Respect

  • Our conduct on every restoration project will be impartial, respectful, caring, and professional to all stakeholders.
  • We will deliver services in accordance with recognized industry standards and comply with all applicable certification, licensing, and legal requirements applicable to the provision of our services.
  • We will protect the confidentiality of client information in accordance with legal requirements and contractual obligations.
  • We will provide a written agreement that outlines the scope, which includes pricing methodology and terms, before work begins.
  • We will communicate changes to the scope of work with materially interested parties based on discovered conditions.
  • We will prepare accurate estimates and disclose whether the estimate is based on direct inspection or third-party information.
  • We will comply with communication and documentation sharing requests subject to the client’s instructions and applicable law.

III. Accuracy in Billing & Invoicing

  • We will provide accurate and supported invoices for services rendered.
  • We will provide clear and professional documentation aligned with the scope of work to support our invoices.
  • We will conduct financial dealings with clients in good faith and according to agreed-upon terms.

IV. Ethical Business Practices

  • We will not use a competitor’s estimate format or content unless doing so does not violate their intellectual property rights.
  • We will identify work reviewed post-completion as such and will not misrepresent it as original inspection. We will not abandon work started or contracted without reasonable communication to materially interested parties and will promptly return any unused project funds.

V. Competency and Continuous Improvement

  • We will strive for continuous education and professional development.

VI. Disclosures and Conflicts of Interest

  • We will disclose in writing to materially interested parties any financial or business affiliations with insurers, adjusters, referral partners, or others that pertain to direct compensation, referral fees, revenue sharing, commission, or ownership interest.
  • We will avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise impartiality.

VII. Documentation and Communication

  • We will provide complete, accurate, and professional project documentation as required by the Agreement, applicable law, or as requested or permitted by the materially interested parties that support our scope of work.
  • We will engage in timely, respectful, and transparent communications with clients, insurers, and stakeholders, as required by contract, applicable law, or as requested or permitted by materially interested parties. (materially interested parties)
  • We will provide reasonable status updates to materially interested parties.

VIII. Enforcement and Oversight

  • The RIA Ethics Review Board will review and consider complaints against RIA member companies in good standing, which allege a violation of the RIA Code of Ethics, and will make recommendations to the RIA Board of Directors in accordance with RIA’s Policies & Procedures.


IX. Member Acknowledgment and Pledge
“I acknowledge that I have read and understand the RIA Code of Ethics and that, on behalf of my
company, I commit to abiding by that Code. On behalf of my company and its employees, I commit to
upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service in all aspects of our work. I
understand that adherence to this Code is a condition of my company’s RIA membership and that violations
may result in disciplinary action.”

Adopted April 14, 2026
RIA Board of Directors

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