Truth in Sale of Housing
The Truth-in-Housing ordinance is meant to provide accurate information on the condition of property for sale and to help Minneapolis keep up the quality of housing available in the city. Truth in Sale of Housing reports are valid for 2 years or one sale.
Properties Covered by Ordinance
Types of residence
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Types of sales
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Single-family houses
Duplexes
Townhouses
First-time condo conversions
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Sale by owner
Sale by real estate agent
Real estate agent-assisted sale
Contract-for-deed
Other title transfer
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NEW and Noteworthy
Watch this spot for information regarding Truth in Sale of Housing Evaluator exams. The last exam was September, 2009. The next one is not scheduled yet.
Truth in Housing ordinance requires:
- An evaluation to say what condition a house is in.
A copy of the evaluation, the Certificate of Approval (if issued), the list of violations, can be found on the City’s Property Information Web site.
- Repairs must be made when a house is sold.
Learn more about required repairs.
- A licensed evaluator must complete a Truth in Housing evaluation and provide a disclosure report before any single-family house, duplex, townhouse, or first-time condo conversion can be shown to prospective buyers.
- The Truth in Housing Evaluation, also known as the disclosure report, must be displayed on the property so potential buyers can look at it.
- A re-inspection must be done after any required repairs have been completed. This is separate from the initial evaluation.
Note: Single-family houses, duplexes, and townhouses are covered under Chapter 248. First-time condo conversions are covered under Chapter 250.120.
What the Evaluation Includes
Below is a general list of what an evaluator will look at during a Truth-in-Housing evaluation. This is not a comprehensive list. Evaluators provide you with a report explaining what (if any) repairs need to be made.
Items Covered
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Items Not Covered
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Attic space & insulation
Ceiling height
Chimneys
Clutter
Columns & beams
Cornice & trim
Doors (frames/storms/screens/deadbolt locks)
Drainage (grade)
Egress
Electrical outlets & fixtures
Electrical service panel
Evidence of dampness/staining
Evidence of vermin
Exterior walls
Floor condition
Floor drains
Foundation
Garage (structure, doors & automatic opener)
Gas piping
Heating plant & auxiliary heating units
Plumbing fixtures
Porches & Stoops
Roof structure & covering
Roof venting
Sanitation
Sleeping rooms (including basement)
Smoke detectors
Stairs
Walls
Waste & vent piping
Water flow
Water heater
Water piping
Windows (frames/storms/screens)
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These items are looked at but will not results in a required repair:
30-amp or 60-amp electrical service, as long as it is not tampered with or over-fused.
Lack of basement (crawl spaces are OK).
Basement plumbing fixtures that are not vented, such as basement showers.
Chipped or peeling paint.
Galvanized plumbing system, as long as it is functional.
Holes in walls or ceilings.
Lack of laundry facilities, or lack of basement floor drain.
Missing storm or prime windows or doors.
Missing window sashes.
Plumbing "s" traps, except in basement.
Roofs
Torn carpet or broken tile.
These items are not looked at:
Non-essential systems such as woodstoves, fireplaces, or air conditioners.
Toxic substances such as asbestos, lead-based paint, formaldehyde, radon.
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See Common Required Repairs for information on items that frequently need to be fixed before selling your house.
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