What Does a Termite Clearance Letter Really Mean?
- Jameson Elam
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
About the Author: Jameson Elam is the owner and operator of Good Sense Termite, serving Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties. With over 14 years of hands-on experience in the termite control industry, Jameson specializes in thorough inspections, accurate diagnostics, and long-term solutions tailored to California homes. His deep knowledge of local termite behavior and building structures has made Good Sense Termite a trusted name for homeowners and real estate professionals alike.
Introduction
A termite clearance letter sounds reassuring. “Cleared” means no termites… right?
Not quite. In the Bay Area, we’ve seen clearance letters that looked clean on paper—until buyers uncovered thousands in hidden damage later.
At Good Sense Termite, we help clients understand what a clearance letter actually covers—and just as important, what it doesn’t.
What Is a Termite Clearance Letter?
It’s a document issued by a licensed termite inspector stating that:
All active infestations (Section 1) have been treated
Any recommended repairs have been completed
The property is currently free of visible termite activity at the time of inspection
In real estate deals, this letter is often used to move escrow forward or meet lender requirements.
But here’s the catch: it’s not a guarantee.
What Clearance Letters Don’t Tell You
The scope of inspection may have been limited Some reports exclude attic, roof, or crawlspace access due to inaccessibility.
The letter may only apply to part of the home In duplexes or additions, clearance may only cover one unit.
The treatment may have been minimal Spot treatments count as “clearance,” even if they don’t cover the entire structure.
The report might be old Many sellers reuse clearance letters that are several months (or years) outdated.
Real Bay Area Example: Santa Clara Bungalow (ZIP 95050)
Clearance letter provided at close of escrow
6 months later: sagging floors revealed active Subterranean termite activity under the master bedroom
Issue: Crawlspace had been marked “inaccessible” and left out of the report
Repair cost: $14,800 (including floor joist replacement and localized treatment)
What to Ask Before Trusting a Clearance Letter
When was the inspection performed? Older reports may no longer reflect current conditions.
What was accessible at the time of inspection? Ask to see inspection photos or diagrams.
Was the treatment partial or full? “Treated” can mean one corner of the home was spot-sprayed.
Is the warranty transferable? Many aren’t—or require paperwork to make them valid.
How Good Sense Termite Does It Differently
Full attic and crawlspace access (no skipped areas)
Written documentation of inaccessible zones—and what that means for risk
Honest reports with labeled photos, diagrams, and treatment history
Clear warranty terms, including transfer options at escrow
FAQ
Does a clearance letter mean the house is termite-free?
No. It means no visible, accessible activity was found at the time of inspection—but some areas may not have been inspected.
Is a seller-provided clearance report enough?
Not always. We recommend buyers get a second opinion, especially if the original report is outdated or vague.
Do you offer inspections during escrow?
Yes. We specialize in fast, escrow-friendly inspections for both buyers and agents—and we explain everything in plain terms.
Final Thoughts: Ask Before You Sign
A clean letter doesn’t always mean a clean house. At Good Sense Termite, we help homeowners and buyers see what’s between the lines, not just what’s on the form.
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