Point of Sale Inspections

Please contact City of Richfield Housing Inspections Clerk, Natalie Stanton, for details on how to proceed with what is required from the City for the transfer of your property:  call 612-861-9882 or email nstanton@richfieldmn.gov

What is the "Point of Sale" Housing Inspection Program?

In 1989, The Richfield City Council passed an ordinance which requires that all single family and two-family homes in the City (including condominiums) that transfer title after October 1, 1990, be inspected by the City of Richfield Inspection Division and a Certificate of Housing Maintenance be obtained prior to the transfer of ownership or closing. The ordinance (Section 408.01) is also available for review. An application form must be completed and returned to the City, along with the appropriate fee.

How Do I Arrange A Housing Inspection? 

HOW:
  • Apply online: Point of Sale online application; A staff will contact you to set up an inspection. Contact Natalie Stanton for further information: call 612-861-9882 or email: nstanton@richfieldmn.gov
  • Payment and application must be submitted PRIOR to scheduling an appointment
    • Fee includes 1 initial inspection and 1 re-inspection:
      • $150.00 - Single Family
      • $230.00 - 2 Family Home
      • $100.00 - Condominium
WHO: The person responsible for the repairs should be present during the inspection, if possible.


Additional information: 

Do you have a specific question for a point of sale inspector?

Contact:

Jennifer Steen | Housing Inspector
Phone: 612-861-9883
Email: jsteen@richfieldmn.gov

Dean Tran | Housing Inspector
Phone: 612-861-9761
Email: dtran@richfieldmn.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE "POINT OF SALE" HOUSING INSPECTION PROGRAM?
In 1989, the Richfield City Council passed an ordinance which requires that all single family and 2-family homes in the City (including condominiums) that transfer title after October 1, 1990 be inspected by the City of Richfield Inspection Division and a Certificate of Housing Maintenance be obtained prior to transfer of ownership or closing. To schedule an inspection, an application form must be completed and returned to the City, along with the appropriate fee. 
WHEN IS AN INSPECTION REQUIRED AND WHO DOES THE INSPECTION?
The inspection must be completed prior to title transfer (closing). If repairs are needed to meet the housing code, they must be completed and re-inspected prior to closing and within 1 year of the initial inspection date. If the buyer assumes responsibility for repairs, the closing can only proceed under the conditions outlined on the back of the Point of Sale Inspection brochure.

The property can be inspected anytime during the selling process. However, it is strongly recommended that the inspection be done prior to listing or advertising the dwelling for sale. Arranging for the inspection is the responsibility of the owner and not necessarily the real estate agent. A City Housing Inspector does the inspection. 
WHAT DOES THE INSPECTOR LOOK FOR DURING THE INSPECTION?
The inspector visually checks the condition of the roof, foundation, doors, and windows, exterior paint or covering, electrical system, plumbing system, chimney, and heating/cooling system as well as various other items. A written report is provided at the end of the inspection listing items to be repaired. 

This program does not require older houses to comply with today’s stricter building standards. However, corrections must be made to deficiencies that violate the building codes that were in effect at the time the house was built and to problems that pose a health or safety hazard. Some items, such as ceiling heights, floor area, and window size, may be exempt from the code if they are considered “built-in deficiencies” and do not present a safety hazard.