What is a point-of-sale inspection?
Updated November 2026
A point-of-sale inspection is a city-required check before a home changes hands. Learn which states and cities require one, what is inspected, and who pays.
A point-of-sale inspection (also called a time-of-sale, pre-sale, resale or transfer inspection) is a check that a city, township or sewer district requires before a home can be sold. It is separate from the buyer's own home inspection. The buyer's inspection is optional and private. The point-of-sale inspection is mandatory, and the title company usually cannot close until it is done.
The main types
| Type | Where it is common | What it checks |
|---|---|---|
| Sewer lateral certificate | San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Cruz | The private sewer pipe from the house to the street main |
| City housing inspection | Cleveland-area suburbs | Exterior and often interior code violations |
| Truth in Sale of Housing | Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Twin Cities suburbs | Condition report shown to buyers, with some required repairs |
| Sewer dye test | Pittsburgh and Allegheny County | Downspouts and drains connected to the sanitary sewer |
| Resale use & occupancy | Philadelphia suburbs | Safety items, sidewalks, open permits |
| Smoke and CO certificate | All of New Jersey | Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms |
| Occupancy inspection | St. Louis County | Safety and property maintenance items |
| Presale records report | Many California cities | Permits and violations on file |
Why cities require them
A sale is the one moment when a city knows a property will change hands and money will move through escrow. Cities use it to fix problems that are hard to enforce otherwise: leaking sewer laterals that overload treatment plants, missing smoke alarms, and slow-building neglect in older housing stock.
Who pays
The ordinance usually makes the seller order and pay for the inspection. Repairs are negotiable. See who pays for point-of-sale repairs.
How to find your city's rule
Search for your city on the home page or browse all cities. Each page shows the requirement, the fee, the deadline and who to call, with sources.
Frequently asked questions
Is a point-of-sale inspection the same as a home inspection?
No. A home inspection is hired by the buyer and is optional. A point-of-sale inspection is required by the municipality, and the sale usually cannot close until it is done.
Do all states require a point-of-sale inspection?
No. There is no national rule. Requirements are set city by city, mostly in parts of California, Ohio, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Missouri. New Jersey is the only state on this site with a statewide requirement, the smoke and carbon monoxide alarm certificate.
How long does a point-of-sale inspection take?
The visit is usually under two hours, but scheduling can take days to weeks. Order it as soon as you list.
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