Understanding Minnesota Truth-in-Sale-of-Housing (TISH) Inspections
If you are planning to sell a home in specific Twin Cities municipalities, you may need to complete a city-mandated pre-listing evaluation known as a Truth-in-Sale-of-Housing (TISH) or Point-of-Sale (POS) inspection before hosting open houses or accepting offers.
Understanding how these inspections work keeps your listing compliant and prevents last-minute closing delays.
What Is a TISH Inspection?
A TISH inspection is a city-regulated evaluation of a residential property’s safety, structural health, and code compliance. Unlike a buyer’s home inspection—which evaluates the overall condition for the buyer's benefit—a TISH inspection checks specific municipal safety standards for public records.
Cities That Require Pre-Sale Inspections Include:
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Minneapolis
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St. Paul
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Bloomington
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Richfield
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St. Louis Park
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Maplewood
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South St. Paul
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Columbia Heights
(Note: Regulations vary by municipality, so always verify local requirements before listing).
Disclosure-Only vs. Required Repair Items
Depending on the city, TISH requirements fall into two categories:
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Disclosure-Only Items: Deficiencies marked on the report for potential buyers to review. Sellers are not required to fix these prior to closing, but the report must be made available during property showings.
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Mandatory Repair Items: Safety hazards that must be fixed either by the seller prior to closing or assumed by the buyer via an official city agreement (often required within 90 days of closing).
4 Common Items Flagged on TISH Reports
Save time and money by fixing these simple items before your evaluator arrives:
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Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Missing, expired, or improperly placed detectors (St. Paul mandates hard-wired smoke detectors in single-family homes).
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Plumbing Backflow Preventers: Missing vacuum breakers on exterior hose bibs or laundry tub faucets.
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Electrical Hazards: Open junction boxes, missing wire nuts, ungrounded outlets near water sources, or improper extension cord wiring.
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Water Heater & Furnace Venting: Backdrafting issues, improper pitch on vent pipes, or missing discharge tubes on relief valves.
Timeline & Checklist for Home Sellers
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Order the Inspection Early: Schedule a city-licensed TISH evaluator before your home hits the MLS.
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Display the Report: Cities require a copy of the completed TISH report to be accessible to prospective buyers during showings.
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Address Mandatory Repairs: Complete required safety fixes or negotiate repair escrows/buyer agreements before closing day.
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Obtain Your Certificate: Once mandatory items pass re-inspection, the city issues a Certificate of Approval/Compliance needed for closing.
Navigating local municipal requirements doesn't have to be stressful when planned early.