FAQs • Holmdel Township, NJ • CivicEngage

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Can I have an inspection for a Certificate of Continued Occupancy before I have a buyer or tenant?: Yes but keep in mind that if the owner or occupant does not occupy or take ownership within 60 days then the dwelling will need to be reinspected.

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Housing

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1. Does Holmdel require a Certificate of Continued Occupancy inspection on resale or rental of a home?: Yes. A Certificate of Continued Occupancy is required on the resale or rental of a home, apartment, mobile home, townhouse, or condominium unit.

2. What is a Certificate of Continued Occupancy inspection?: It is an inspection that is visual in nature and primarily focuses on safety hazards, unsanitary conditions, Code Violations, habitability, and welfare of the occupants of that dwelling.

3. When is a Certificate of Continued Occupancy required?: They are required for rentals before the occupancy of a new tenant; for sales prior to the new owners taking possession of the property; and for any change of occupant / owner.

4. When will the Certificate of Continued Occupancy be issued?: When all conditions have been met and in some cases at the end of the inspection if there are no outstanding issues.

5. How long is the Certificate of Continued Occupancy good for?: Sixty days from the date of issuance. Once the occupant occupies the dwelling or when new owner takes possession the certificate is good until the next change of occupant or next change of owner.

6. Can I have an inspection for a Certificate of Continued Occupancy before I have a buyer or tenant?: Yes but keep in mind that if the owner or occupant does not occupy or take ownership within 60 days then the dwelling will need to be reinspected.

7. I’m selling my house, the buyer’s inspector said some items are not “up to code”, do I have to bring it up to current code?: No. There is no requirement that existing dwellings conform to new codes unless work is being done. This is a contractual negotiation between you and the buyer.

8. My hardwired fire alarm system does not work, can I install battery operated detectors in place of the hardwired ones?: No. You must maintain the system that was installed when your home was built and if the system cannot be maintained then the system or its components must be upgraded.

9. What type of fire extinguisher do I need in the area of the kitchen?: Minimum fire extinguisher is classified as a 1-A;10-B:C but the recommended is classified as a 2-A;10-B:C.

10. What is the requirement for carbon monoxide alarms?: Carbon monoxide alarms shall be UL listed and shall be installed in all areas where bedrooms are located.

11. What are the Housing Department’s hours?: The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

12. When are inspections performed?: Housing inspections are performed Tuesday and Thursday between 10 a.m. and noon and Monday through Thursday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

13. Can I request a specific time for inspections?: No. Unfortunately due to the ever changing volume of inspections the office cannot guarantee a specific time other than the two hour time window provided.

14. Can you fax or email me the forms?: Yes. Send us an email with fax number or an email address you want it sent to and we will send it to you.

15. I am a landlord, do I need to register every year?: Yes the state requires that all landlords register with the municipality in which their rented properties are located.

16. Why do I have to register as a landlord?: N.J.S.A. 46:8-28.2 requires that “Every landlord shall, within 30 days following the effective date of this act, or at the time of the creation of the first tenancy in any newly constructed or reconstructed building, file with the clerk of the municipality, or with such other municipal official as is designated by the clerk, in which the residential property is situated…”

17. How do I apply for a Certificate of Continued Occupancy?: Stop by the office and fill out the form or fill out an online version (PDF) then bring it with payment.

18. How do I register as a landlord?: Please visit the office or download the form (PDF) and stop by the office or by mail to submit the paperwork and fee.

19. How do I contact the Housing Office?: Call the main number 732-946-2820 and dial extension 1301 or send an email.

20. How do I obtain a list of requirements for a Certificate of Continued Occupancy Inspection?: Please visit the Office, download the form (PDF), or send an email and we will send you the information.