Minnesota Cities that Require a Pre Sale Inspection

If you’re selling a home in Minnesota—especially in the Twin Cities metro area—it’s wise to know up front: some cities require a pre-sale inspection, often called a Truth-in-Sale of Housing (TISH), Time-of-Sale, Point-of-Sale, or Housing Evaluation report. These rules are meant to protect buyers, ensure safety, and maintain housing quality. They can affect when and how you list your home, what repairs might be needed, and whether the report must be disclosed.

Below is a rundown of which cities require these inspections (or similar evaluations), what they usually involve, and links to official resources so you can check the exact requirements in your city.

What is a Truth-in-Sale / Time-of-Sale / Point-of-Sale Inspection?

These inspection programs typically require the seller to arrange for a city-licensed or approved evaluator to inspect the property for items that could pose health or safety risks (like structural problems, plumbing, electrical, smoke detectors, etc.). The seller may need to fix any “hazardous” items either before sale, before closing, or sometimes the buyer assumes responsibility. The specifics vary by city.

Cities in MN Metro That Require Pre-Sale / TISH / Point-of-Sale Inspections

Here are some of the cities in the Twin Cities metro area that currently require or have ordinances for pre-sale inspections. Always verify with the city, since laws/requirements can change.

Bloomington

Columbia Heights

Golden Valley - Sewer Line Inspection

Maplewood

Minneapolis

New Hope

Richfield

Robbinsdale - no longer required

St Louis Park

St Paul

South St Paul

What To Do If You’re Selling

1. Before listing, check with the city in which the property is located to see if a TISH / Time-of-Sale / Point-of-Sale inspection is required.

2. Identify any hazardous items listed by the city.

3. Get quotes for repairs (if required) or understand what items can be disclosed.

4. Hire a licensed evaluator or inspector according to the city’s rules.

5. Make sure any inspection or certification is done before you advertise, show, or list the home, if required.

6. Keep all documentation; make sure the report is made available to buyers, and that any required certificate of compliance is filed.

Things to Check / Be Aware of

• What kind of repairs are mandatory? Some cities require you fix all “hazardous” items before closing; others allow “non-hazardous” items to be disclosed but not necessarily repaired.

• Timing: The inspection or evaluation is often required before the property is advertised or shown. Missing this step can delay your listing or closing.

• Valid period: These reports often have a validity window (1 year, 2 years, or until ownership changes). If yours has expired, you’ll likely need a new one.

• Licensed Evaluators: Usually must use evaluators licensed by the city.

• Disclosure: The inspection results must often be made available to prospective buyers within a certain period (e.g. 3 days after listing in some cities).

• Fees: Costs vary by city and by type of property (single family, multi-unit, condo).