When you purchase a home in New Jersey, you have to comply with the laws and regulations of the municipality in which the property lies. Local governments have an interest in ensuring that the homes that people occupy are safe and comply with local ordinances, and they often use the sale of a property as a mechanism to ensure compliance. For this reason, many real estate transactions are contingent upon obtaining certificates from a local government that attest to the fact that a piece of real estate is “up to code.” Two of these are discussed below. For more information, call our office today.
Municipal Certificates
Before you purchase a home, you should always ensure all documents are present to comply with New Jersey laws. Two important documents are certificates issued by an inspector who works for your municipality. These are called the fire certificate and the certificate of occupancy (CO). Both of these certificates should be obtained by the seller and you should have them in your possession before you close on the deal.
The fire certificate is issued after the inspector makes sure that the necessary smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are present in the home. The certificate of occupancy is issued after the inspector verifies that everything in the home and on the property is in compliance with building codes. You should never close on a home without first seeing these documents.
If an inspector finds an issue that the seller does not want to fix, you can negotiate for a lower price if you, as the buyer, promise to fix the problems. In this case, you will need to fill out the paperwork and obtain a temporary occupancy certificate. You then will only have a certain amount of time to make the repairs before the municipality can issue a fine for failure to comply with municipal certificate requirements. These are only some examples of the important paperwork needed to purchase a home in NJ.
Call 201-498-9768 today for more information.
If you are consider buying or selling a home in New Jersey, it is in your best interest to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as you can. The assistance of a lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected and also avoid any issues that may delay or jeopardize the proposed transaction. To schedule a free consultation with New Jersey real estate lawyer John L. Schettino, call our office today at 201-498-9768.