This page summarizes the city's own Residential Point of Sale application and checklist (revised April 15, 2025) and Buyer's Acknowledgement Form, checked November 9, 2026. It's general information, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with the Building Department, 4743 Richmond Road, 216-587-1230.
Warrensville Heights Inspects Before You Sign
Many cities ask for an inspection before closing. Warrensville Heights asks earlier. The application says owners of residential and commercial property, including single-family and two-family homes, apartments and condos, must get a Certificate of Inspection (Point of Sale) before entering into an agreement to sell. The seller then gives the buyer a copy of the Certificate of Inspection (or a Certificate of Compliance) before the contract is signed, and it has to have been issued within one year before the agreement.
The application covers direct sales, quit claims, foreclosures and sheriff sales, and asks for the water and sewer account, the last bill and who is responsible for it.
What It Costs and Who Fixes What
| Item | What the city's forms say |
|---|---|
| Residential inspection | $100 |
| Condos and apartments | $30 per unit |
| Commercial | $200 for the first unit, $90 each additional unit |
| Re-inspections | The first two are included; $30 each after that |
| Seller's repair window | The owner must correct violations within 60 days of the inspection, whether or not the house is on the market (or apply for an extension) |
| Unfixed violations at sale | An escrow of 150% of an itemized repair estimate (at least $100), held by the title company |
| Buyer's repair window | 60 days after transfer for violations left at closing, unless the city approves an extension |
| Occupancy | No one may occupy the home until an occupancy permit is issued |
| Payment | Company check, bank certified check, bank card or money order; no cash or personal checks |
How the Escrow Works
If violations remain at closing, the escrow amount comes from a written, itemized estimate by a company currently registered to do business in Warrensville Heights, matched to the inspection notice. The city can reject an estimate that doesn't reflect fair market cost, and if no estimate can be obtained after a good-faith effort, the city may set the amount itself, and that figure is non-negotiable. The city then sends the title company an escrow request for 1.5 times the estimate, the title company confirms the hold, and the city issues a transfer release. Escrowed money is paid out only with the city's written authorization.
The buyer also signs the Buyer's Acknowledgement Form, with a copy of their driver's license, and it goes into escrow with a copy to the Building Department as a condition of transfer. The form has boxes for occupancy, transfer of title only, temporary 60-day occupancy and no occupants allowed.
What that means for a seller: on a house with a long violation list, 150% of the estimate can tie up a big share of your proceeds at closing, and that hold is separate from the buyer's own repair budget. Ordinance Chapter 1374 has the full rules.
Your Checklist, in the City's Order
- Submit the point-of-sale application (all pages), the Property Owner Identification and Authority Affidavit and the Inspection Consent Form.
- Get the inspection report from the city.
- Make repairs within 60 days, or apply for an extension.
- Give the buyer the inspection report or a Certificate of Compliance.
- Have buyer and seller sign the Buyer's Acknowledgement Form.
- If violations remain, give the city an itemized contractor estimate and your title company's contact information.
- The title company confirms the escrow hold, and the city issues the transfer to the title company.
How an As-Is Sale to ACC Fits
- Any condition. We buy houses that need extensive repairs, including mold, water or fire damage.
- Any situation. Avoiding foreclosure, a divorce, an inherited house, a parent moving to assisted living, or a rental you're done managing.
- No agent, no listing. No realtor fees or commissions, no open houses, no repairs or cleaning, and you avoid closing costs.
- Your closing date, working within the city steps above.
- No obligation. Asking for a cash offer is free.
Send us the address, the city's inspection report if you have one, and any other city letters. We'll talk through how the escrow and transfer steps would be handled in your sale. We can't speak for the city or waive its requirements, but we can plan the sale around them. Start at We Buy Houses Cleveland.
Related Reading
Facing a long repair list? See selling a house that needs major repairs and selling a house with code violations. Behind on taxes? Read selling with delinquent property taxes in Cuyahoga County. Nearby cities we've written up: Shaker Heights, Maple Heights and Garfield Heights. Each city has its own rules, so don't assume Warrensville Heights' process applies there.
Frequently asked questions
Does Warrensville Heights require a point-of-sale inspection?
Yes. The city's application says owners of residential and commercial property must get a Certificate of Inspection before entering into an agreement to sell, and give the buyer a copy before the contract is signed.
How much is a Warrensville Heights point-of-sale inspection?
The city's form lists $100 for a residential inspection, $30 per unit for condos and apartments, and $200 for the first commercial unit plus $90 for each additional unit. Re-inspections after the first two are $30 each.
What happens if I can't fix the violations before selling?
An escrow is set up at closing for 150% of an itemized repair estimate from a company registered in Warrensville Heights, at least $100. The money is released only with the city's written authorization, and the buyer has 60 days after transfer to make the repairs unless the city extends it.
Can I sell my Warrensville Heights house as-is?
Yes, but the city's point-of-sale steps still apply. ACC Solutions buys houses as-is in any condition, with no realtor fees or commissions and no repairs or cleaning, and plans the sale around the city's escrow and transfer steps.
How long is a Warrensville Heights Certificate of Inspection good for?
The certificate given to the buyer must have been issued within one year before the agreement to sell.
Get a no-obligation cash offer.
Call (216) 238-5999, email support@accmgmtsolutions.com or start at We Buy Houses Cleveland.