Everything Homeowners Should Know Before Selling

A TISH report (Truth-in-Sale of Housing Report) is a home inspection required by certain cities before a residential property can be sold. Unlike a standard buyer's home inspection, a TISH report focuses on health, safety, and city code compliance rather than the overall condition of the home.

The purpose of a TISH report is to identify safety hazards or code violations that may need to be repaired before ownership transfers to a new buyer.

Not every city requires a TISH report. Requirements vary depending on the local municipality, so homeowners should always check with their city before listing their property.

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Why Is a TISH Report Required?

Cities require a TISH report to help ensure homes meet minimum safety standards before they're sold. The goal isn't to guarantee a perfect home—it's to protect buyers by identifying conditions that could affect safety or violate local housing codes.

A TISH report also helps:

• Improve housing safety within the community
• Identify code violations before closing
• Reduce surprises during the sale
• Give buyers additional transparency
• Help sellers understand what repairs may be required

Each city creates its own TISH report requirements, which means inspection standards and timelines can vary.

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What Does a TISH Report Include?

A TISH report generally focuses on visible safety concerns and code compliance rather than cosmetic issues.

During a TISH report, inspectors commonly evaluate:

Safety Hazards

Inspectors look for conditions that may create safety risks, including:

• Missing handrails
• Damaged stairs
• Unsafe electrical conditions
• Missing smoke detectors
• Missing carbon monoxide detectors
• Broken or unsafe windows and doors

Exterior Conditions

A TISH report may include an inspection of the home's exterior, such as:

• Peeling paint where required
• Damaged siding
• Trip hazards
• Unsafe decks or porches
• Drainage concerns
• Address number visibility

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Mechanical Systems

Inspectors often review major systems for basic safety, including:

• Furnace installation
• Water heater safety
• Plumbing concerns
• Electrical panel accessibility
• Gas appliance venting

The inspection is not intended to determine the remaining life of these systems. Instead, the TISH report identifies conditions that may violate city requirements.

What Happens After the TISH Report?

Once the TISH report is completed, the inspector provides a written report identifying any required corrections.

Depending on the city, homeowners may need to:

• Complete repairs before closing
• Obtain a Certificate of Approval
• Transfer responsibility for repairs to the buyer if allowed
• Receive a temporary compliance certificate while repairs are completed

Every municipality has different rules, so it's important to understand your city's specific process.

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Is a TISH Report the Same as a Home Inspection?

No.

A TISH report is different from the home inspection that buyers typically order after an accepted purchase agreement.

A buyer's inspection evaluates the home's overall condition, including the roof, foundation, appliances, HVAC system, and other components. A TISH report focuses primarily on safety issues and city housing code compliance.

Many home sales include both a TISH report and a buyer's home inspection because they serve different purposes.

Who Pays for the TISH Report?

In most cases, the seller pays for the TISH report because it's required before selling the property.

The cost varies depending on:

• The city
• Property size
• Inspection provider
• Local permit or filing fees

Scheduling the TISH report early gives homeowners time to address any required repairs before listing or closing.

How Can Homeowners Prepare?

Preparing before your TISH report can help reduce delays and unexpected repair requests.

Simple steps include:

• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Replace missing handrails
• Repair damaged steps
• Ensure windows and doors operate properly
• Clear access to the electrical panel
• Replace burned-out exterior lights
• Address obvious safety concerns

Taking care of these items beforehand can help make the inspection process smoother.

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Why a TISH Report Matters

A TISH report is more than just another requirement during the home-selling process. It helps protect buyers, improves housing safety, and ensures homes meet local city standards before ownership changes hands.

This allows homeowners to prepare early, avoid unnecessary delays, and move through the selling process with greater confidence. Whether your city requires a TISH report or not, knowing how it works can help you make informed decisions as you prepare to sell your home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which states require a TISH report?

A TISH report is not required statewide. Instead, it is typically required by specific cities or municipalities. Minnesota is one of the best-known examples, where several cities require a TISH report before a home can be sold. Requirements vary by location, so homeowners should check with their local city government to determine whether a TISH report is necessary.

When should I schedule a TISH report?

It's best to schedule your TISH report before listing your home or as soon as you decide to sell. Completing the inspection early gives you time to review the report, make any required repairs, and avoid delays during the closing process.

Does a TISH report guarantee my home will pass a buyer's inspection?

No. A TISH report focuses on city safety requirements and housing code compliance. A buyer's home inspection is much more comprehensive and evaluates the overall condition of the home, including major systems, structural components, and maintenance concerns.

Which Twin Cities Require a TISH Report?

A TISH report is not required throughout the entire Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro area. Instead, each city decides whether it requires a TISH report, a Truth-in-Sale of Housing inspection, or another type of point-of-sale housing inspection before a home can be sold.

In the Twin Cities metro, these cities currently require some form of pre-sale housing inspection or TISH report:

• Minneapolis – Truth in Sale of Housing (TISH)
• Saint Paul – Truth in Sale of Housing (TISH)
• South St. Paul – Truth-in-Housing inspection
• Maplewood – Truth-in-Housing inspection
• Bloomington – Time-of-Sale (TOS) Housing Inspection
• Hopkins – Truth-in-Housing inspection
• Robbinsdale – Truth-in-Housing inspection
• Golden Valley – City Time-of-Sale inspection
• New Hope – City Time-of-Sale inspection
• Osseo – City Time-of-Sale inspection
• Richfield – City Time-of-Sale inspection
• St. Louis Park – City Time-of-Sale inspection

Although homeowners often refer to all of these as a TISH report, the official name of the inspection varies by city. Some municipalities call it a Truth in Sale of Housing (TISH) report, while others use terms like Truth-in-Housing Inspection or Time-of-Sale Housing Inspection. Regardless of the name, the purpose is similar: to identify safety concerns, code violations, and housing conditions that buyers should know before purchasing a home. Because local requirements can change, homeowners should always verify the current inspection requirements with their city's building or housing department before listing their property.

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