Truth in Housing (TISH) Inspections

Truth in Housing Q & A

What is a TISH inspection? What is Truth-in-Sale?

TISH stands for Truth in Sale of Housing. Some cities call it Time of Sale or Point of Sale. People sometimes get it confused with Truth in Lending, which is something unrelated.

Do I need a TISH inspection to sell my house?

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

How much does a TISH inspection cost?

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 or townhome – $250
• Other cities single family or townhome – $225
• Condominium – $175
• Duplex – $275
• Re-inspection (2nd trip) – $50

These prices include the filing fees, which range from $25 to $50 depending on the city.

How long is a Truth in Housing inspection good for?

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

How long does the inspection take?

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

Do I have to be there?

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

When do I get the TISH report?

Later that day.

How do I get ready for a Truth in Housing inspection?

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.

My old TISH report expired. Can you update it for me?

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

My house is already on the market. How soon can you get over here?

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

I’m selling my house as-is. Do I still need a TISH inspection?

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

The buyer has their own inspector. Do I still need a TISH inspection?

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.

What are you looking for?

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.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. We have to be both licensed and insured to do this kind of inspection. Truth in Housing evaluators 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!

What’s the purpose of a TISH inspection?

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.