Which certificates you need to sell or rent a home, town by town in New Jersey
Washington Twp NJ certificate of occupancy: sale and rental rules
Confirm with the Washington Township (Gloucester County) offices before you rely on this page. Washington Township in Gloucester County issues a Certificate of Occupancy for every sale through the Housing Office inside the construction office, and the smoke certification is part of that inspection: $150 including the first re-inspection, $75 for each further one, with expedited options, Temporary CO $125 for at most 30 days, apply at least three weeks before settlement, wet-ink signatures only. Landlords pay $100 a year to register plus $125 for the rental inspection, annually and at every change of tenant, and $40 for the township's lead inspection of pre-1978 units. The forms were revised in July 2026 under fee ordinance O017-2026, but the town's own FAQ still quotes the older $70 and $50 fees and the sale application and the expedite affidavit disagree on the expedite surcharges, so confirm the figure with the office. Sources on the town's own site: Housing Department - Certificate of Occupancy page (undated); Application for Certificate of Occupancy - Sale (July 2026); Landlord Registration / Certificate of Occupancy Inspection applicatio (Rev July 2026). State rule for every sale or lease of a one- or two-family home: N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.3 (text). Last checked 24 October 2026.
| Question | Answer | The town's own words |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal certificate needed before a sale | Yes: Certificate of Occupancy for sale (resale housing inspection by the Housing Office inside the Construction office; includes smoke certification) | 179- 68. Certificates of occupancy shall be required for human habitation of all existing dwelling |
| Municipal certificate needed before a new tenant | Yes: Landlord Registration ($100/yr) plus Certificate of Occupancy / Certificate of Rental inspection ($125 annually and at every change of tenant) | $125 Annually / Change of tenant; includes smoke certification and 1 re-inspection; |
| Smoke and CO alarm certificate (state rule N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.3) | Township Housing Office (smoke certification is included in the municipal CO inspection; no separate fire-bureau form), fee included: $150 resale inspection / $125 rental inspection | $150 - Initial Inspection Fee (includes smoke certification and 1st Re- Inspection) |
| Fee: resale CO: initial inspection (includes smoke certification and first re-inspection) | $150 | $150 - Initial Inspection Fee (includes smoke certification and 1st Re- Inspection) |
| Fee: resale CO: each additional re-inspection / expedited within 2 days / expedited 3-5 days (per the sale application) | $75 / $100 / $75 | $ 75- each addl'/ $100 for expedited within 2 days/ $75 3-5 days |
| Fee: expedited inspection within 2 business days (per the TCO/expedited affidavit) | $200 | Expedited Inspection: within 2 business days - $200 |
| Fee: expedited inspection 3-4 business days (per the TCO/expedited affidavit) | $175 | Expedited Inspection: 3-4 business days - $175 |
| Fee: Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (after initial application and inspection), max 30 days | $125 | Temporary Certificate of Occupancy: $125 (following the initial application and inspection) |
| Fee: rental: inspection, annually and at change of tenant (includes smoke certification and 1 re-inspection) | $125 | $125 Annually / Change of tenant; includes smoke certification and 1 re-inspection; |
| Fee: rental: annual landlord registration fee (1-5 units; higher tiers for more units), due by September 1 | $100 | *Landlord registration fee of $100 is due every year by September 1st or a $50 late fee will apply.* |
| Reinspection fee | resale: first re-inspection included, then $75 each; rental: $75 for the 3rd and later inspections (FAQ page still says $50 - outdated) | do not, you will need to pay another $125 payment for re-inspection. There is a $75 fee for the 3 rd inspection and |
| How long the certificate stays valid | not stated for the resale CO; Temporary CO max 30 days; rental certificate annual (anniversary of first inspection) | A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) may be issued for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days, during which time all |
| How early to apply | at least three weeks before settlement (FAQ); expedited inspection fees apply for 2-5 day turnaround | township ordinance when you plan on selling your home or renting it. The inspection should be done at least (3) three weeks before your settlement to allow for any repairs if necessary. |
| Who applies | owner or the owner's agent (seller's representative signs; original wet-ink signatures only) | Yes, your agent can submit an application on your behalf. |
| Lead-safe inspection for pre-1978 rentals | $40 township lead inspection for pre-1978 rentals (township text says every two years), or submit a passing third-party certificate | Township Housing Inspector is licensed to complete these inspections. Our fee is $40 for the LEAD inspection or |
| Last rule change on record | fees amended by Ordinance O017-2026 (Chapter 80 Fees); forms revised July 2026; housing page links the DCA notice on P.L.2025 c.19 (starting 3/10/25) | Please be advised of Amended Fees as per Ordinance O017-2026 |