Do you need C/O to Close multi family sale ?

Question

Green card shall be enough, from past deals.   The city hall says CO is only for new constructions.

Anyone has legal statute or rules regarding that?    Thanks.

Vaughn Smith · Answer

@David Smith it depends on the city, most will ask for a certificate of occupancy, or a certificate of compliance some will also ask for a certificate of habitability before you can rent your units. These certificates are in addition to your fire and smoke certificates. Often times the seller will take care of this for you though as a part of the sale but in cities like East Orange, Newark, Irvington its not uncommon for the buyer to be responsible for all city certifications

John M Chludzinski · Answer

It depends on the town in NJ.  The Certificate of Occupancy is the term for the certificate issued to new construction - that is what the county engineering department told you, and it was correct as far as it goes.  BUT many towns require a Certificate of Continued Occupancy ON EACH NEW RENTAL TENANT AND UPON RESALE.  And some, like South Amboy, require reinspection on re-rental, resale, and ANNUALLY EVEN WHEN THE TENANT HAS NOT CHANGED.  Do not rely on county representations, you must ask the township, borough or city where the property is located what inspection regime they are requiring.

Tania Patch · Answer

Depends on the town. Some green card is enough, others want a walk thru CO.

John Libretti · Answer

You should be able to make this a post closing item potentially with a small escrow for the time being.

Mark F. · Answer

My town required C/O on purchase for existing home. First deal in NJ but I was told this was standard. Sounds like its county to country or maybe even town to town.

Michael G. · Answer

I've had similar questions regarding C/Os. Not to take away from your question or divert the conversation, but I purchased a home from the bank where all certifications responsibilities were placed on the purchaser (me) - I had to get a conditional CO. After renovating it, I was unsure if I needed a C/O. I called the county's engineering department and I was told the same as you: "You only need a C/O for new constructions".

I happily accepted that as I didnt need to take anymore action, however I feel that the guidance I was provided was somehow incorrect.

Do you need C/O to Close multi family sale ?

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