What is a resale certificate or Certificate of Occupancy?
In many New Jersey municipalities, a house sale requires a Certificate of Continued Occupancy (sometimes called a resale CO or resale inspection) from the town. A town official inspects for basic safety and code compliance. Requirements are set locally, so what Cherry Hill requires may differ from what Hammonton does. Ask the municipal construction or code office early.
The state smoke and CO alarm certificate
Separately, New Jersey requires a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm and portable fire extinguisher compliance certificate for most residential resales, typically issued by the local fire official after an inspection. It is a small item that can delay closing when overlooked.
Common reasons a sale gets stuck
- Open permits from prior work that was never finalized.
- Unpermitted work such as finished basements, additions or conversions.
- Safety items like missing railings, faulty electrical or non-working alarms.
- Outstanding fines or violations on the property record.
Your options
- Fix before listing. Costs money and time, and you may uncover more issues along the way.
- Negotiate with a buyer. In some towns the buyer can take responsibility for corrections after closing, if the municipality allows it.
- Sell off-market as-is. Some buyers are comfortable taking on corrections. We help you confirm what the municipality requires and what can and cannot be shifted to the buyer.
We will not promise that a certificate can be skipped. Where the town requires it from the seller, we say so and help you plan.
General information. Your town's requirements and your attorney's advice control. Contact the municipality to confirm what applies to your property.