Selling a home in Minneapolis? One thing you cannot skip is the city’s Truth-in-Sale-of-Housing inspection. It protects buyers and helps you avoid last-minute surprises. With the right prep, you can keep your timeline on track and move into negotiations with confidence. In this guide, you’ll learn how TISH works, what inspectors look for, when to schedule it, and how to get your home ready. Let’s dive in.
What is TISH in Minneapolis?
The Truth-in-Sale-of-Housing program is a point-of-sale inspection that focuses on basic safety and habitability. Inspectors look for material defects and life-safety issues that could affect a buyer right after closing. The City records a report and, when standards are met, a certificate.
For official rules, procedures, and certified inspector details, review the City of Minneapolis TISH program page. You can find current requirements and updates directly from the source on the City’s Truth-in-Sale-of-Housing page.
- Learn more: the City’s official Truth-in-Sale-of-Housing program
Who needs a TISH report?
Most residential property sales in Minneapolis require a TISH inspection and report. Some transfers may be exempt, such as certain new construction with a certificate of compliance, some family transfers, and some court-ordered or government entity transfers. Because exemptions can change, always confirm the current list on the City page.
Lenders and buyers often expect a recent certificate. Typical practice is around 12 months, but you should verify certificate timing on the City website.
- For legal language, see the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances.
When to schedule your TISH
If you want to list without delays, plan ahead. A practical window is 3 to 6 weeks from ordering the inspection to having the final certificate in hand. That gives you time to complete small repairs and handle any reinspection.
Here’s a simple planning guide:
- Schedule the initial inspection: 1 to 2 weeks out is common, longer in busy seasons.
- Complete minor fixes: often a few days to a couple of weeks.
- Reinspection: usually available within days once repairs are done.
- Allow extra time, 6 to 12 weeks, if you expect permitted work.
How the inspection works
The TISH process has five basic steps:
Application and scheduling. You or your agent schedules a certified inspector through the City or an approved provider.
Initial inspection. The inspector reviews life-safety and major maintenance items and issues a written report.
Repairs. You complete required corrections. Some items may need permits.
Reinspection. After repairs, the inspector verifies completion. If everything meets standards, you move to certification.
Certificate and disclosure. You provide the required documentation to buyers per City rules and any lender requests.
For scheduling, fees, and permit guidance, check the City’s pages for the latest updates:
- Program details: Minneapolis TISH
- Permits and inspections: Regulatory Services
What inspectors check
TISH inspections focus on safety, function, and major defects rather than cosmetic issues. Expect a standardized review of:
- Life-safety systems: smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, proper placement, and function.
- Stairs and egress: handrails, guardrails, and usable exits, including basement egress where required.
- Electrical: missing cover plates, exposed wiring, panel issues, and GFCI protection in wet areas.
- Heating and water heaters: basic operation and obvious hazards.
- Plumbing: leaks, venting issues, and missing fixtures.
- Structure and exterior: roof and siding conditions, foundation concerns that present hazards, and operable doors and windows.
- Interior hazards: evidence of significant moisture or conditions needing licensed follow-up.
Common TISH issues to expect
Knowing the frequent findings helps you fix simple items before inspection. Common issues include:
- Missing or incorrectly placed smoke and CO alarms.
- Lack of GFCI outlets in kitchens, baths, and other wet areas.
- Missing or loose handrails and guardrails; stair safety problems.
- Deteriorated paint, especially in homes built before 1978.
- Inoperable or damaged windows and doors; basic weatherproofing gaps.
Seller prep checklist
A little prep goes a long way. Use this checklist to set up a smooth visit:
- Clear access to the furnace, water heater, electrical panel, attic, and egress windows.
- Secure pets and remove obstacles from stairs and exits.
- Gather documents: past permits, repair invoices, appliance manuals, previous inspection records.
- Replace batteries and test smoke and CO alarms.
- Clean gutters and direct downspouts away from the foundation if drainage is a concern.
Simple pre-listing fixes that save time:
- Install or update smoke and CO alarms to current placement guidance.
- Add or secure handrails and guardrails on stairs and landings.
- Address obvious electrical hazards: replace missing cover plates, secure exposed wiring, add GFCIs where needed.
- Patch small areas of deteriorated paint and correct moisture sources.
- Repair inoperable doors and windows.
Permits and contractors
Some corrections require permits, such as major electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or structural work. When in doubt, ask the City. Use licensed contractors for permitted items and keep all receipts and permit paperwork. You can share those documents with the inspector and with buyers.
- Check permit needs or schedule a follow-up at Regulatory Services.
Lead-based paint rules
If your home was built before 1978, federal law requires that you provide buyers with a Lead-Based Paint Disclosure and any available reports. TISH inspectors often note deteriorated paint, which can trigger further attention under federal rules. Review federal guidance so you can prepare the right forms and disclosures for your sale.
- Learn more about federal disclosure at the EPA’s lead disclosure page.
Fees and certificate timing
The City sets TISH fees, which can vary by property type and by the number of units. Reinspection policies and fees can also differ. Because fee schedules and certificate validity periods can change, always confirm current details on the City TISH page. Many buyers and lenders want a recent certificate, so plan your schedule accordingly.
- Current rules and contacts: Minneapolis TISH
How your agent can coordinate
A well-run plan keeps marketing and compliance aligned. Here is a simple, timeline-based workflow your agent can use with your staging or move team:
- 6 to 8 weeks before listing: discuss TISH applicability, confirm timeline, and review current City guidance on fees and inspectors.
- 3 to 6 weeks before listing: order the inspection and clear access to all systems. Coordinate staging and storage so inspectors can reach key areas.
- After the inspection: review the report, prioritize corrections, and get bids for any permitted work. If needed, prepare clear “TISH in progress” notes for internal planning while following City disclosure rules.
- During repairs: track permits and progress; keep receipts and permit records organized.
- After reinspection: upload the certificate to your listing documents and make it available to buyers and lenders before launch.
This approach reduces closing risks and helps you present a market-ready home with fewer surprises.
Disclosure and closing
Minneapolis requires sellers to provide the TISH documentation to buyers and, in many cases, to the closing team and lender. Missing or outdated paperwork can delay closing or require extra steps. To avoid hiccups, keep your report, reinspection results, and certificate organized and ready to share.
For official disclosure timing and any enforcement updates, refer to the City’s TISH program and the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances.
Final takeaways
A successful sale in Minneapolis starts with a clean, timely TISH process. Schedule early, handle the simple fixes up front, and confirm permit needs with the City if larger work is required. Keep documents organized and share your certificate early in the listing process. This sets the tone for a smooth negotiation and closing.
Ready to prep your home for market with a clear TISH plan? Let’s talk about timing, simple fixes, and how to launch your listing with confidence. Unknown Company can help you map the steps and keep your sale moving.
FAQs
What is a Minneapolis TISH inspection and why does it matter?
- It is a City-required point-of-sale inspection focused on safety and habitability. It helps buyers understand key conditions and helps you avoid last-minute surprises that can delay closing.
Who is exempt from the Minneapolis TISH requirement?
- Some transfers, such as certain new construction with a certificate of compliance, some family transfers, and some court-ordered or government transfers, may be exempt. Always confirm the current list on the City’s TISH page.
When should I schedule my TISH inspection before listing?
- A practical window is 3 to 6 weeks before you plan to list. Allow more time, up to 6 to 12 weeks, if you expect permitted repairs.
What are the most common TISH fixes for sellers?
- Smoke and CO alarms, GFCI outlets in kitchens and baths, handrails or guardrails on stairs, minor paint and moisture corrections, and basic window or door repairs.
Do TISH repairs require permits in Minneapolis?
- Some electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or structural work requires permits. Check with Regulatory Services to verify before you start.
How long is a TISH certificate valid for buyers and lenders?
- Many buyers and lenders expect a recent certificate. Typical practice is around 12 months, but you should verify the current validity period on the City’s TISH page.
