Truth-in-Sale-of-Housing (TISH) Inspection

Truth in Housing Inspections

Some cities require a Truth-in-Sale-of-Housing (TISH) Inspection (also known as Point-of-Sale Inspections, Time-of-Sale Inspections, or Code-Compliance Evaluations) prior to being offered for sale. The focus of the TISH inspection is on risks to life and/or health. Here are some differences between a TISH and buyer’s inspection Presented By TWIN CITIES TC:

TISH Inspections

  • Required by certain cities.
  • Set up and paid for by the seller.
  • Required prior to offering the home for sale.
  • Focuses on risks to health and life.
  • Typically takes 1 ½ hours.
  • Has inspection standards & requirements set by each city.
  • Often includes both required and recommended repairs

Buyer’s Inspections

  • Optional. Some buyers decline to have an inspection performed.
  • Typically set up and paid for by the buyer.
  • Typically performed after the buyer has an accepted offer.
  • Typically takes 3 – 4 hours.

Which cities require a TISH inspection?

  • Bloomington
    Types of Properties: Single Family, Two Family, & Multiple Family (condominiums, townhouses, mobile homes)
  • Golden Valley *also requires an inflow/infiltration inspection
    Types of Properties: All properties, Residential and Commerical (sewer inspection)
  • Hopkins
    Types of Properties: All one to four-unit dwellings, including condominiums and townhouses
  • Maplewood
    Types of Properties: All Dwellings
  • Minneapolis
    Types of Properties: Single Family, Two Family, Townhouses, and first time condominium conversions.
  • New Hope
    Types of Properties: All Dwellings
  • Richfield
    Types of Properties: All Dwellings
  • Robbinsdale
    Types of Properties: Single Family, Two Family, Three Family, Townhouses,
    Condominiums
  • Saint Louis Park
    Types of Properties: Single Family, Two Family, Townhouses, and Condominiums.
  • Saint Paul
    Types of Properties: Single Family, Two Family, Townhouses, Condominiums, and Co-ops.
  • South Saint Paul
    Types of Properties: Single Family, Two Family, Multiple Family,
    and mobile homes.

The Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Compliance Program

West St. Paul and Golden Valley require all properties to be I/I compliant prior to being put on the market for sale. This is to prevent costly clean-ups and repairs caused by excessive clear water entering the sanitary sewer system. Click the city name below to read more about their programs and requirements.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Truth in Sale of Housing (TISH) Inspection

There are many quick and inexpensive repairs that could be done prior to a TISH inspection, saving you from negotiating more costly repairs later.

The 3 Most Common Repairs

  • Missing or inoperable Smoke Detectors & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
  • Missing Backflow Preventer (What is a backflow preventer?)
  • Leaky Plumbing
    • TIP: To check for leaks, fill up a sink or tub, pull out the stopper. Watch pipes to make sure you don’t have any plumbing issues. Do this for all sinks and tubs, including laundry sinks or industrial tubs. If a pipe is leaking just a little bit, you may be able to tighten it with a wrench.

Other Required & Commonly Recommended Repairs

  • Electrical Items
  • Gas Piping
  • Furnace/Boilers
  • Gas Appliance Venting
  • Water Heaters
  • Gas Clothes Dryers
  • Fire Separation at Garage

RESOURCES:

City of Minneapolis Truth in Housing Evaluation information

City of Minneapolis TISH inspectors list

City of St. Paul TISH inspectors list

Met Council Inflow & Infiltration Program Information

City of Minneapolis Energy Efficiency disclosures