Point of Sale (POS) Housing Inspection Program
The Point of Sale Housing Inspection program
provides potential purchasers with information about the condition of a dwelling
and requires correction of immediate hazards. An inspection and report are
available for all houses, townhomes, condominiums and mobile homes offered for
sale.
Common Correction
example include,
- Inoperable/missing smoke
detectors
- No handrail or loose handrail
- First floor windows that lack
locks or are inoperable
- Bare wood or peeling paint
- Added or altered plumbing done
without permit
- Overflow pipe from pressure
relief valve missing or of improper material
- Improper flex-type gas line or
missing shut offs
- Furnaces installed without
permit
- Added or altered electrical
work without permit
- Ungrounded or reverse polarity
3 prong outlets
- Extension cords/adapters in
place of permanent wiring
- Improper grounding at water
service
-
Missing back-flow preventors
- Cracked or broken windows
- Missing GFI grounding in
kitchens and bathrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What dwelling units are affected?
A: All single and two-family
dwellings, condominiums, townhouses and mobile homes are included.
Multi-family rental buildings over 4 units are not included.
Q:
When must the property be inspected?
A:
The Development Services Department
recommends a housing inspection prior to any title transfer. Property can
be inspected at any time during the selling process. It is recommended that
the inspection be done prior to the listing or advertising of the dwelling
for sale.
Q:
Who does the inspection?
A: The city
electrical, plumbing, gas and building inspectors perform the inspections.
Q:
What does an inspector look for?
A: The inspectors will
examine:
-
The dwelling's
visible structural elements.
-
Heating,
electrical and plumbing systems.
-
Other components
of construction.
-
Accessible,
unoccupied areas such as attics and crawl spaces, but will not take apart
any building components.
Problems hidden in
inaccessible areas cannot be identified.
Q:
How much does it cost?
A: There is currently no fee
for a POS inspection.
Q:
Must all identified problems be repaired?
A: No. Only items which pose
an Immediate Hazard to the occupants of the structure are required to be
repaired. Other deficiencies will be noted in the Housing Evaluation Report,
but will not require correction.
Q:
How are corrections of hazardous items monitored?
A: When hazardous items are
identified by the inspector, the Development Services Department will follow
up to determine whether the hazardous condition has been corrected.
Q:
When must corrections of hazardous conditions be completed?
A: Hazardous conditions must
be corrected and approved by the City before the dwelling is occupied. If
the dwelling is already occupied, corrective action shall be taken by the
owner or agent of the owner.
Q:
Is the evaluation a warranty?
No. Code compliance
“Certificate” does not constitute any representation, guarantee, or warranty
about the buildings condition. It does not guarantee the safety, fitness,
or suitability of any dwelling in the City. It should not be relied upon as
a substitute for a private home inspection. Purchasers or occupants should
take whatever steps they deem appropriate to protect their interests,
health, safety and welfare prior to purchase or occupancy of a dwelling.
This inspection program is a community effort to maintain the quality of
Hastings’ houses and neighborhoods.
For more information, contact:
Development Services
(402) 461-2302
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