Selling a house in University Heights, OH: what the city requires
Cuyahoga County, Ohio · Last checked November 2026
University Heights requires an interior and exterior point-of-sale inspection. The buyer signs an assumption form and repair money is escrowed before the city releases the property.
What University Heights requires
Point-of-sale inspection
- Who does it
- City building or housing inspector
- What is checked
- Interior and exterior.
- Cost
- $150 single, $300 double.
- Valid for
- 1 year.
- If not done by closing
- Buyer signs an assumption form, and funds are escrowed. The city then issues a transfer release.
- The ordinance gives 30 days to correct violations, with extensions granted when progress is shown.
Who to call
University Heights Housing Department
Official page
Housing in University Heights
- Median year homes were built
- 1949
- Median home value
- $242,700
- Owner-occupied homes
- 3,173 of 4,686 (68%)
- Total housing units
- 5,007
With half the homes built by 1949, inspectors here commonly flag older wiring, missing GFCI outlets, handrails, and worn exteriors. Fix the cheap items before the inspection.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for University Heights city, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
Need this done in University Heights?
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How the point-of-sale inspection process works
A point-of-sale (POS) inspection is a city housing inspection done before a home changes hands. The inspector lists code violations. They must be fixed before transfer, or the buyer takes them on with money held in escrow.
- Apply to the city building or housing department and pay the inspection fee. Do this before you list, because some cities require the certificate before you sign a purchase agreement.
- An inspector visits. Depending on the city, this covers the exterior only or the interior too.
- You receive a certificate of inspection listing violations. Show it to buyers.
- Fix the violations and pass a re-inspection to get a certificate of compliance.
- Or the buyer signs an assumption form, and repair money (often 100% to 150% of a contractor estimate) is held in escrow until the city signs off.
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| City inspection fee | $25 to $300 |
| Escrow for unfixed violations | 100% to 150% of the repair estimate |
Read the full point-of-sale inspection guide
If the house fails
You can repair before closing, use an escrow or extension where the city allows it, let the buyer assume the work for a credit, or sell as-is. Compare the options.
Frequently asked questions
What does University Heights require before I sell my house?
University Heights requires an interior and exterior point-of-sale inspection. The buyer signs an assumption form and repair money is escrowed before the city releases the property.
How much does the point-of-sale inspection cost in University Heights?
$150 single, $300 double. Typical related costs: city inspection fee $25 to $300; escrow for unfixed violations 100% to 150% of the repair estimate.
How long is it valid?
1 year.
What if the repairs are not finished before closing?
Buyer signs an assumption form, and funds are escrowed. The city then issues a transfer release.
Who pays, the buyer or the seller?
The ordinance usually makes the seller responsible for ordering it, but who pays for repairs is negotiable in the purchase agreement.
How old are the homes in University Heights?
The median home in University Heights was built in 1949, and the median home value is $242,700, according to the Census Bureau's 2020-2024 American Community Survey.
Nearby: Greater Cleveland & Northeast Ohio
- Akron No point-of-sale rule
- Rocky River No point-of-sale rule
- Seven Hills Required in some cases
- Shaker Heights Required at sale
- Solon No point-of-sale rule
- South Euclid Required in some cases
- Strongsville No point-of-sale rule
- Valley View No point-of-sale rule
- Walton Hills No point-of-sale rule
- Warrensville Heights Required at sale
- Westlake No point-of-sale rule
- Woodmere Required at sale
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Sources
- Akron Cleveland Association of Realtors, Point of Sale & Rental Information (rev. April 2025)
- City of University Heights, Point of Sale
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates (tables B25035, B25077, B25003, B25001)
Last checked November 2026. Rules and fees change by ordinance and resolution. Confirm with the municipality before you list. See something out of date? Report a change.