Truth in Housing Inspections

The cities above require some kind of inspection when you sell. Some require only a sewer inspection. The type of inspection varies by city.

Rates vary from company to company. Our rates are pegged to the largest inspection companies in town. We charge $25 to $50 less than the big companies:

• Minneapolis single family – $250
• St. Paul or other cities – $235
• Townhome – $235
• Condominium – $175
• Duplex – $275
• Re-inspection (2nd trip) – $50

These prices include the filing fees, which range from $25 to $35 depending on the city.

In most cities it’s good for one year or one sale. In Minneapolis it’s good for two years or one sale.

We usually just need a day or two notice to come out and do the inspection.

About an hour in most cities. In Minneapolis it takes about an hour and a half.

No. We can use your realtor’s electronic lockbox, or get a code from them. Of course, it’s fine if you’re home.

Later that day.

If there’s an attic hatch in the ceiling, for example in a closet, please make room for a stepladder. If there’s an attic door in a wall, or more than one, please move anything that’s blocking access.

We also need to get into the garage.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to “update” a TISH report. You have to start over with a new inspection and a new report.

Yes. But most cities will allow the buyer to take over any required repairs (if the buyer is willing).

Yes. Buyers often hire another home inspector to do another inspection. That’s up to the buyer. There’s no legal requirement that they do so. A buyer’s inspection is an optional, private transaction and has nothing to do with the Truth in Housing inspection.

We go through the house and rate everything according to today’s building codes. Plumbing, electrical, heating, the attic, the garage, pretty much everything. If your city has required repairs, they’re usually safety-related items.

Yes. We have to be both licensed and insured to do this kind of inspection. Truth in Housing inspectors must have extensive knowledge of the building codes and pass several challenging tests to get a license. It’s not as easy as it looks!

Truth in Housing inspections are meant to eliminate common safety hazards and generally improve the housing stock. Some cities require repairs after the inspection, and some don’t.

Most houses have things that don’t meet today’s code. Most of these things are “grandfathered” in, meaning you don’t have to fix them. For example, most stairways don’t meet current codes, but you’re not required to fix them. Each city decides which things they want to be fixed. These are usually safety-related items like electrical hazards, smoke alarms, and plumbing cross-connections.

After the inspection, we type up the TISH report, file it with the city, pay the filing fee, and email you a PDF file or a link to the report. It’s usually available the same day. The report is public and must be available to potential buyers. A printed copy must be on display at the house whenever there’s a showing.

For photos of typical repair items, click here, or go to the page for your city for a more detailed list.