Navigating Point-of-Sale (POS) Inspections When Selling Your Lakewood, OH Home: A Seller's Guide

Selling a home in Lakewood, Ohio—one of the most vibrant and walkable suburbs of Cleveland—can be an exciting step toward your next chapter. With its tree-lined streets, proximity to Lake Erie, and thriving community, Lakewood remains a hot market for buyers. However, if your property is a non-owner-occupied rental, you'll need to navigate the city's Point-of-Sale (POS) inspection requirements to ensure a smooth transfer. At Great Lakes Quick Sale (GLQS), we specialize in helping Lakewood homeowners sell distressed properties quickly and hassle-free, whether they need repairs for foundation issues, mold, fire damage, or financial relief. This guide breaks down Lakewood's POS process, drawing directly from official city guidelines to provide reliable, up-to-date information you can trust.

What Is a POS Inspection in Lakewood, Ohio?

In Lakewood, a Point-of-Sale (POS) inspection—also referred to as a Certificate of Code Compliance inspection—is a municipal requirement designed to verify that properties meet basic health, safety, and building code standards before ownership changes hands. Established under Lakewood Codified Ordinances (L.C.O.) §§ 1173.01 and 1306.53, these inspections became mandatory for specific properties effective September 1, 2019.

Key facts:

• Applies Only to Non-Owner-Occupied Properties: POS inspections are required exclusively for the sale of non-owner-occupied residential rental properties. This includes duplexes, multi-family homes, or single-family homes used as rentals. If your Lakewood home is owner-occupied (you live there as your primary residence), no POS inspection is needed for the sale.

• Not Required for All Sales: Owner-occupied homes and commercial properties (unless changing retail tenancy) are exempt. This targeted approach helps maintain rental housing quality without burdening primary homeowners.

The goal? To identify and address potential code violations, ensuring safe living conditions for future tenants or buyers. Failure to obtain the certificate can delay closing, so understanding the process is crucial for Lakewood sellers.

The POS Inspection Process in Lakewood: Step-by-Step

Lakewood's Division of Housing and Building handles POS inspections efficiently, with options for remote submissions to minimize disruption. Here's how it works, based on current city procedures:

1. Determine If It's Required: Confirm your property status. If it's a non-owner-occupied rental, proceed. Contact the city at (216) 529-6270 or building.permits@lakewoodoh.net for verification.

2. Submit Your Application:

   • Use the online CitizenServe portal at www2.citizenserve.com/lakewoodoh to apply for a Certificate of Code Compliance. No new account needed—use the "Forgot Username/Password" if necessary.

   • Applications take about 3 business days to process.

   • Fee: Typically $50 for residential (1-2 family), though confirm current rates with the department.

3. Schedule the Inspection:

   • Requests are handled within 4 business days. Email or call to book with an assigned inspector.

   • For non-structural elements, remote inspections are available: Submit photos of the property (front exterior with address visible), permit copies, and detailed images of areas in question.

4. What Gets Inspected?

   • Scope: Full interior, exterior, and yard areas for residential rentals. Inspectors check for code violations like plumbing leaks, electrical hazards, structural issues, unsafe stairs, broken windows, or yard maintenance problems.

   • In-person required for electrical, fire systems, or large projects; otherwise, photos suffice for efficiency.

   • Sample checklist available on the city's website under Housing and Building.

5. Address Violations and Obtain Certificate:

   • The seller is responsible for ordering the inspection and remedying issues (or posting escrow). Common fixes include minor repairs to meet Ohio Building Code standards.

   • Buyers may assume violations with 6-12 months to remediate, but this must be negotiated in the contract.

   • Once compliant, the Certificate of Code Compliance is issued (valid for 6 months) and required before closing.

The entire process can take 1-2 weeks if proactive, but delays occur if repairs are extensive. Always verify with the city, as rules can evolve—last updated in 2025 with no major changes noted.

Common Challenges for Lakewood Sellers and How to Overcome Them

Lakewood's rental market is competitive, but POS inspections can uncover issues in older homes (many built pre-1940s) like outdated wiring or foundation cracks. For distressed properties—those with mold, fire damage, or financial liens—these can feel overwhelming.

• Repair Costs and Timelines: Expect $500–$5,000+ for fixes, depending on violations. Proactive maintenance (e.g., fixing leaks early) saves time.

• Investor Buyers: Many Lakewood investors target rentals; disclose POS status upfront to attract cash buyers who handle repairs.

• Pro Tip: Schedule early in your listing process to avoid closing hiccups.

How Great Lakes Quick Sale Can Simplify Selling Your Lakewood Rental

At GLQS, we buy Lakewood homes "as-is" with cash, bypassing traditional hassles like POS repairs or showings. Specializing in distressed properties that don't qualify for standard mortgages, we offer:

• Quick Cash Offers: Competitive bids within days—no waiting for inspections or financing.

• Flexible Closings: Close in as little as 7 days, tailored to your needs.

• No Repair Burden: We assume all POS violations, saving you thousands on fixes for issues like plumbing or structural damage.

• Top-Tier Support: Transparent communication from our Cleveland-based team, ensuring you feel confident every step.

Whether your Lakewood rental has water damage from Lake Erie storms or needs full rehab, we transform it into a gem for future buyers or tenants through our professional rehabilitation services.

Ready to Sell Your Lakewood Home Fast?

Don't let POS inspections slow your sale in Lakewood. If you're facing repairs, financial distress, or just need speed, Great Lakes Quick Sale is here to help. Get your no-obligation cash offer today—visit our site or call for expert guidance on Lakewood's unique market.