Hi Joe, yes, the CO is the what is issued from the fire inspection, which generally includes an inspection of proper type and placment of a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and proper placment and operation of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. The specifications will be detailed by your township and you will want to get your hands on those and adhere to them carefully. I always advise my sellers to take the specs right to the hardware store so they are sure to buy the right fire extinguisher. Test everything before the inspection, be sure all batteries are fresh.

You usually need an appointment for the inspection, and there generally is a fee, so get on top of this so you are not in a crunch. Adhering to the letter of the requirements is key so you don't fail and have to incur a second fee and the hassle of arranging another appointment.

The CO may be given to you after the inspection or mailed to you. When you get it, you should get it to your attorney as it is required to close.

Good luck and best,
Jeannie Feenick
Search and connect at http://www.feenick.com

Yes you do need a CO & fire inspection. You will have to have a smoke detector on each floor of your home and in the basement if you have one. Also a cxarbon monoxide detector on the second floor or near the bedrooms, where ever they are. Your best bet is to go to the township building inspectors office soon and get their check list of what they look for so you are prepared, and also if you had any work done with out the proper permits, you better find out. If any additions or finished basement work was done prior to your ownership. the Township will have records of the permits. I recently sold a home in Mt. Laurel and my sellers had a finished basement done by the previous owner. No permits were taken out for the electrical work, and the township made them rewire the entire basement and insulate several areas deemed fire hazards. It's best to find out all of this infor before you list the home or sell it, then incur several thousand dollars of surprises. Barbara Fitzgibbon, Coldwell Banker Elite, Washington Twp. Sell phone 856-404-2766 if I can help you further. P>S> i also list and sell in Mt. Laurel.

Dear Joe,
Every town has diffferent rules and regulations regarding a CO. You need to call your town hall, and get a hold of the building department and they will direct you .

Good Luck.
Sharon Kozinn

Jeremy is correct. However in some NJ communities a Certificate of Occupany inspection is merely a check for smoke detectors, carbon monoixde detectors and a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. You must check with the building department in Mt Laurel. For example, in Toms River, Ocean County all that's needed are the detectors and fire extinguisher, that inspection is done by the Bureau of Fire prevention. Go south to Barnegat, also Ocean County you'll need heat certification, chimmney certs...the list goes on and on. Every town sets it own guidelines, with the state stepping in on the detectors and fire extinguisher.
Good luck!

Joe,

I don't know why people who actually do not live or work in our area answer questions here but here is the answer. The CO and fire inspection will need to be completed for you to transfer ownership and needs to be done prior to closing unless you are selling the property as is and making it the buyers responsibility. If you are dealing with a normal buyer and selling your house at market prices and not well below this is what will normally be expected of you and negoiated as a seller. If a buyer occupies and home without it they could face penalties. So this is not needed before you list but is one of the list of things you will need to do in a "normai" transaction. If you would like further assistance you call me in my office.

Best Regards,

Jeremy S. Hill, Realtor Associate
Keller Williams Realty
jeremyhill@kw.com http://www.southnewjerseyhomes.com
1814 Route 70 East
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Office: 856.685.1651
Fax: 856.321.1414
Direct: 609.876.5817
"Your Interest 1st Always!"

When a sale goes to contract their is a clause regarding COs. In Mt. Laurel you do need an inspection completed by the fire department. You will need to provide proof of this at settlement. Do you have a buyer in a contract already? If no you will not need to worry about this yet. I hope this helps.

GREAT question usually for commercial properties not residential homes.
http://www.lynn911.com http://www.homes-for-sale-dallas.com

No. You need to do a few things before you get your house ready to sell but the CO and Fire Insp. are not 2 of them.

Visit my website for complimentary reports on how to sell your home as well as what very important steps you must do prior to putting your home up for sale in this market.