If you are getting ready to sell a house in South Jersey, there is a good chance a buyer's attorney, or your own, will ask one question early: do you have your Certificate of Occupancy? Most sellers have never heard of it until that moment. Here is what it is, how it works in the towns I work in every day, and how to avoid a surprise that delays your closing.

What is a Certificate of Occupancy when selling a house in NJ?

In New Jersey, many towns require a municipal certificate (often called a Certificate of Continuing Occupancy, or CCO, or a Certificate of Resale) before a home can change hands. The town sends someone out to look over the property, usually for basic safety and maintenance items, and issues the certificate if everything passes. The rules, fees, and timing are set by each town, not by the state, so what applies in one township may not apply in the next.

Cherry Hill

Cherry Hill requires a Certificate of Continuing Occupancy for resale. The township lists a fee of $100, and the process includes an exterior inspection by the Property Maintenance Officer plus a separate smoke alarm inspection through the Fire Department. Some condos and townhomes may be exempt depending on how the association handles exteriors. Start with the Township's Code Enforcement office, and check the current requirements on the township website before you list. If you are thinking about selling here, my Cherry Hill selling guide walks through the whole process.

Moorestown

Moorestown requires a Certificate of Continuing Occupancy and a Fire Prevention Certificate of Compliance when a home is sold or rented. These go through the Township's Public Works department. There is also a survey requirement for certain properties that border township-owned land. Because the details can change, call the township early. Here is my Moorestown selling guide for the rest of the picture.

Mount Laurel, Marlton, Voorhees, Cinnaminson, Maple Shade and Delran

Most of these towns have some form of resale or occupancy inspection, and the requirements differ in what they check and what they charge. Rather than guess, I make a call to the town on every listing I take, confirm exactly what is needed, and put it on the timeline from day one. You can see how I handle each town on my selling pages for Mount Laurel, Marlton, Voorhees, Cinnaminson, Maple Shade, and Delran.

The most common reasons a house does not pass

  • Missing, expired, or non-working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Peeling paint, damaged siding, or rotted trim on the exterior
  • Cracked or uneven sidewalks and driveways
  • Broken railings, loose steps, or unsafe decks
  • Overgrown or dead trees and brush, or debris in the yard

Almost all of these are inexpensive to fix if you catch them before you list.

What about fire extinguishers?

This one has changed. For years, many South Jersey towns required a fire extinguisher hanging within about 10 feet of the kitchen before they would sign off on a resale. Under a New Jersey law signed in February 2025 (P.L. 2025, c.19), a portable fire extinguisher is no longer required for the Certificate of Occupancy on one- and two-family homes. The thinking is that in a fire, you should get everyone out and call 911 rather than try to fight it yourself. Smoke alarms are still required, along with the other safety items your town checks, so do not skip those. Some towns may take time to update their paperwork, so if a checklist still lists an extinguisher, ask the town about it.

When should I apply?

My advice is to contact the town before the house goes on the market, not after you have a contract. Inspection schedules can take a while, and a failed item found late can push your closing date. Starting early lets you fix small things on your own timeline and keeps a buyer's lender from waiting on you.

What if the house fails?

Usually you get a list of items to correct and a chance to have the property re-inspected. In some cases a temporary certificate may be available if work cannot be finished before closing. The town will tell you what is possible in your situation, and I will help you work through it.

Selling as-is? You may still need one

Selling as-is changes what you will repair for a buyer, but it does not automatically remove a town's resale requirement. I explain how that works in my guide to selling a house as-is in New Jersey.

Want the exact steps for your address?

I have been helping South Jersey homeowners sell for 23 years, and I will find out exactly what your town requires before we ever list. Start with a free home value report, read about how I help sellers, or call me directly at 856-220-1874.

I am a Realtor, not an attorney. Fees and requirements change, so please confirm current details with your town.

Jerry Mac
Keller Williams Realty
856-220-1874
www.southjerseyrealty.com