Truth-in-Housing

Evaluator License

The City of Maplewood requires the Truth-in-Housing Evaluators to obtain an annual city license. To be licensed in Maplewood as a Truth-in-Housing Evaluator, please supply the following:

  • License Application (PDF)
  • Copy of either St. Paul or Minneapolis truth-in-housing evaluator license
  • Certificate of insurance listing City of Maplewood as the certificate holder
  • License application fee in form of check

Truth-in-Housing Program

The purpose of the Maplewood truth-in-housing program is to protect public health, safety, and welfare, and to promote decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling accommodations in the city. To help accomplish this, Maplewood requires the disclosure of housing information and defects as a condition at the time of sale. City inspectors may use this information to require the correction of code violations.

Truth-In-Sale of Housing Disclosure Report

Before a residence can be shown for sale, the owner must have the property evaluated by a truth-in-housing inspector. After the inspection is complete, the owner must have the report on display and available on-site for prospective buyers. A copy of the disclosure report must be issued to the buyer before the execution of a contractual agreement.

What to Include in the Report

A housing disclosure report shall be prepared by a city-approved housing evaluator. The report shall include:

  • An evaluation by the inspector of the building and the property. The evaluation will include, but not be limited to, items addressed in Maplewood's housing maintenance, siding, and junk removal ordinances. The city shall be responsible for determining whether there is an ordinance violation.
  • A signed statement by the owner that includes the following information:
    • Any damage to the building or its contents by flooding or sewer backup and any evidence of chronic water seepage that the owner knows about
    • The nature, extent, and cause of any water seepage or flooding of any portion of the property
    • Whether or not there are pending housing orders from the city about the property
    • Whether there is a homestead classification for real estate taxes payable
    • Any other known defects or problems that are not visible
    • Any deed restrictions or covenants running with the property
    • Whether the property is subject to the city's pipeline, shoreland, or floodplain ordinances
    • The location and status of all known wells, including a map, stating whether the well is in use or abandoned and sealed
    • Whether the property is next to a high-voltage transmission line

Owners must have their own truth-in-housing evaluation done before listing or showing a property for sale. A truth-in-sale-of-housing disclosure report is only valid for one owner or for one year. However, if there is substandard maintenance or subsequent damage to the building, the director of the Community Development Department may require a new inspection.