Thinking about selling your house in East Cleveland? Before you even list it, there's a critical step every homeowner needs to understand: the Point of Sale (POS) inspection.
This isn't just a suggestion—it's a legal requirement from the City of East Cleveland. The law exists to make sure every property meets minimum safety and housing code standards before ownership can be transferred. For many homeowners, especially those dealing with an older home or needing to sell due to financial hardship or a sudden relocation, this inspection can feel like a massive roadblock. The fear of unknown violations and expensive repairs can be incredibly stressful.
This guide is designed to walk you through the entire POS inspection East Cleveland OH process. We'll break down the fees, explain the timeline, and show you exactly how you can sell your home as-is without making a single repair, allowing you to move forward with confidence.
What Is a Point of Sale Inspection?
A Point of Sale (POS) inspection in East Cleveland is a mandatory pre-sale inspection that ensures the property meets the city’s housing and safety codes before ownership can legally transfer.
Required under East Cleveland ordinance, this inspection must be completed before the title can officially change hands. It’s the city’s way of maintaining neighborhood standards and protecting buyers from inheriting unsafe living conditions. The inspection ensures your property is in compliance with two main sets of rules:
- The 1999 Building Officials & Code Administrators Property Maintenance Code (BOCA)
- The 2000 National Electric Code (NEC)
For sellers, this process can bring up a lot of questions. What if my house fails? What if I can't afford the repairs for a major issue like a failing roof or an outdated electrical panel? These are common concerns, especially for those in situations like foreclosure, divorce, or managing an inherited property from out of town. The good news is, you have options.
East Cleveland POS Inspection Requirements
Navigating the POS inspection starts with knowing the rules. Getting the application process right is the first step to avoiding delays and unnecessary stress.
Responsible Department
All applications and appointments are handled by the City of East Cleveland’s Building/Housing Department.
- Address: City Hall Annex Building, 14340 Euclid Avenue, Room #6, East Cleveland, OH 44112
- Phone: (216) 681-2082
- Fax: (216) 681-2386
Once your application is submitted and payment is made, the department will schedule the inspection. It's crucial that either you or your agent is present when the inspector arrives.
When to Apply
Timing is everything. The city strongly recommends applying for the POS inspection as soon as you decide to list your house. Waiting until you have a buyer under contract is a common mistake that can jeopardize your closing date.
You should allow at least 10–14 business days from the date you submit your application for the inspection notice to be sent.
Fees
The inspection fee varies based on your property type. Knowing the cost upfront helps you budget for your sale.
- Single-family home (1 unit): $150
- Two-family dwelling: $200 ($150 base + $50 per additional unit)
- Three-family dwelling: $250 ($150 base + $50 per additional unit)
- Multi-family (4–15 units): $150 per building + $50 per unit
- Multi-family (16+ units): $300 per building + $50 per unit (max fee $3,000 per structure)
- Business units: $200 per business unit (or $500 if over 3,000 sq. ft.)
- Mixed-use (residential + business): $50 per dwelling unit + $200 per business unit (max $3,000)
- Re-inspection fee: $25 (applies after the first two inspections within the 6-month validity period)
Accepted Payment Methods:
The city only accepts money orders, cashier’s checks, or credit cards (Visa or Mastercard). No personal checks or cash will be accepted.
Application Requirements
An incomplete application will be rejected, causing delays. Make sure your form includes:
- The legal owner’s name and current physical address (P.O. boxes are not allowed).
- The buyer’s name and current physical address (P.O. boxes are not allowed).
- The name of the title company and a specific contact person.
- Complete signatures from both the seller and the buyer.
Inspection Scope
The inspector will conduct a thorough review of your property to ensure it complies with the city’s Property Maintenance Code and the National Electric Code. The inspection typically covers:
- Exterior: Roof, foundation, structural integrity, paint, sidewalks, driveway, and garage.
- Interior: Plumbing systems, electrical systems (including outlets and panel), windows, doors, and stair safety.
Certificate of Inspection (COI)
After the inspection, a Certificate of Inspection (COI) must be signed by the Chief Building/Housing Commissioner before the property title can be transferred. This certificate is valid for six months from its issue date. If you don't sell your home within this window, you'll have to start the process all over again.
If violations are found, don't panic. You can still sell the property.
Selling As-Is With Violations
East Cleveland provides a path for homeowners to sell a house with violations. To do so, you must meet these conditions:
- Submit a notarized affidavit to the Building/Housing Department, in which the buyer agrees to correct the violations.
- Provide a copy of the signed purchase agreement.
- The Building/Housing Department may grant the buyer a compliance period of 180 days to complete all required repairs.
- Submit a copy of the buyer’s driver’s license and Social Security card (with the last four digits visible).
This process allows the responsibility for repairs to transfer to the new owner, but it requires a buyer who is willing and able to take on the project.
How POS Inspections Affect Home Sales
A POS inspection can significantly impact your home sale, especially if you're on a tight timeline. Finding violations can delay your closing by weeks or even months as you scramble to get quotes, hire contractors, and schedule re-inspections.
This is a major hurdle in the traditional market. Most buyers, particularly those using FHA or VA loans, cannot purchase a home without a "clear" POS certificate. Their lenders have strict property condition requirements, and a list of city-mandated repairs is often a deal-breaker. This makes selling a home with violations extremely difficult.
However, these challenges don't have to stop your sale. Homeowners can still achieve a quick, hassle-free closing by working with cash home buyers in East Cleveland like Home Sweet Home Offers. We are familiar with POS regulations and are prepared to buy properties in any condition.
How to Sell a Home With POS Violations
When your inspection report comes back with a list of violations, you're at a crossroads. You have three distinct paths you can take.
Option 1: Fix All Violations
The most straightforward, yet often most difficult, option is to repair every item on the list. This involves hiring contractors, paying for materials and labor, and scheduling re-inspections with the city until you receive a clear certificate.
- Pros: Allows you to sell to any type of buyer, including those with strict FHA/VA financing.
- Cons: Can be extremely costly and time-consuming, causing significant delays to your closing.
Option 2: Use the 180-Day Compliance Affidavit
This option transfers the responsibility for repairs to the buyer. The buyer must sign a notarized affidavit, agreeing to fix all violations within 180 days of closing.
- Pros: Allows you to sell without making repairs yourself.
- Cons: Drastically shrinks your pool of potential buyers. Most traditional homebuyers are unwilling or unable to take on a project with a city-mandated deadline. This route is typically only viable with investors.
Option 3: Sell As-Is to a Cash Buyer (Best Option)
For homeowners who need a fast, certain, and stress-free sale, this is the ideal solution. When you sell your house as-is in East Cleveland to a professional cash buyer, you bypass the entire repair and re-inspection process.
Companies like Home Sweet Home Offers purchase properties in their current condition. We handle all the paperwork and assume full responsibility for the violations. There’s no need for you to deal with escrow accounts, affidavits, or contractors. This is the simplest way to turn your property into cash, especially if you're facing a challenging situation like foreclosure, an unwanted inherited home, or the financial strain of being a tired landlord in nearby areas like Maple Heights or Euclid.
FAQ Section
Here are quick answers to the most common questions we hear from homeowners about the East Cleveland POS inspection.
“Is a POS inspection required for all homes in East Cleveland?”
Yes, the inspection is mandatory for virtually all property transfers, including standard sales, family transfers, and other changes of title. The city will not permit the transfer to go through without a valid Certificate of Inspection or an approved affidavit.
“Who pays for the POS inspection?”
The seller is responsible for paying the application fee, which is $150 for a single-family home. The seller also covers any re-inspection fees if needed.
“Can I sell my house without fixing violations?”
Yes, you can. You have two main options: 1) Find a buyer willing to sign the 180-day compliance affidavit, or 2) Sell directly to a cash buyer like Home Sweet Home Offers, who will purchase the property as-is and assume responsibility for the repairs.
“How long is the certificate valid?”
A Certificate of Inspection is valid for six months from the date it is issued. If you don't sell your home within that timeframe, you must reapply and pay for a new inspection.
“What if I ignore the POS requirement?”
Ignoring the requirement is not an option. The City of East Cleveland will not allow the property title to be legally transferred without a valid certificate or an approved plan to address the violations.
Conclusion & CTA
The East Cleveland POS inspection can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to stop your sale. Whether you're dealing with an expired certificate, a long list of violations, or simply don't have the time or money for repairs, you have a clear path forward. You are in control of how you sell your property.
At Home Sweet Home Offers, we understand the challenges local homeowners face. We buy homes in East Cleveland and surrounding communities like Parma, Garfield Heights, and Bedford in any condition. We handle the POS process, the paperwork, and the closing, allowing you to sell your house fast and move on with peace of mind.
Ready to skip the repairs and uncertainty? Contact us for a free, no-obligation cash offer.
Call 702-281-9498 or request your free cash offer today!
Sources
- City of East Cleveland – Building & Housing Department
- East Cleveland Code of Ordinances §1341 – Certificate of Inspection