Apply for a smoke certificate

If you are selling a single or 2-family housing unit, you need to get a smoke certificate. During this inspection, we will make sure the home complies with the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code 5:70-2.3 for:

• Smoke alarms
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Fire extinguishers

This form can be submitted by a property owner or a realtor. You will need to provide the buyer's contact information.

If you are selling a multi-family (3+ families) building, you need to apply for a Certificate of Continued Occupancy (CCO). If you have a rental property, you must file for a rental registration and inspection.

Need to know

• You need this certificate before closing the sale.
•  Cost per dwelling unit:
  • $75, if you apply at least 10 business days before you need the inspection
  • $100, if you apply 4 to 10 business days before you need the inspection
  • $125, if you need the inspection in less then 4 business days
  • Re-inspections are $50 per dwelling unit
• Inspections are conducted on:
  • Tuesdays,10 am to 12 pm
  • Thursdays, 1 pm to 3 pm

Before you start

Smoke alarms

• All battery operated smoke alarms and detectors must be powered by 10-year sealed batteries
• Install smoke alarms on every level and within 10 feet from every sleeping area.
• Smoke alarms need to comply with ANSI/UL 217. You can use combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Install and maintain smoke alarms in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and NFPA 72.
• They are not required in crawl spaces or unfinished attics.
• Replace 120-volt hardwired smoke detectors older than 10 years with 120-volt hardwired detectors. All detectors must be from the same manufacturer.

If your home was built:

• Before 1977: battery operated smoke alarms on each floor level and within 10 feet of
  bedrooms
• Between January 1, 1977 and August 5, 1984:
  • A/C (electric) smoke alarms outside the sleeping area level and basement
  • Battery operated smoke alarm on the first floor
• August 6, 1984 and April 30, 1993: A/C (electric) interconnected alarms on each floor level
• May 1, 1993 to present: A/C (electric) interconnected alarms within each bedroom on each floor level with battery backup

Carbon monoxide alarms

• Install carbon monoxide alarms within 10 feet of each separate sleeping area.
• Carbon monoxide alarms need to comply with UL-2034. You can use combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Replace carbon monoxide alarms that are older than 5-7 years depending on the manufacturer.

Portable fire extinguisher

• An extinguisher needs to be within 10 feet of the kitchen and located in the path of egress.
• Make sure the extinguisher is readily accessible and not obstructed from view.
• Mount the extinguisher using the manufacturer's hanging bracket so the operating
  instructions are clearly visible.
• The extinguisher needs to be an approved listed and labeled type with a minimum rating of 2A-10B:C and no more than 10 pounds.
• Provide the owner's manual or written operation instructions during the inspection and make sure to leave it for the new occupant.
• Get the extinguisher serviced and tagged by a certified Division of Fire Safety contractor within the past 12 months. If not, the seller must have a receipt for a recently purchased extinguisher.
• The top of the extinguisher cannot be more than 5 feet above the floor.

Steps

1. Complete the smoke certificate application form.
2. Submit the application.
3. Pay the inspection fee.

What's next

We will review your application. We will contact you if any information is missing.