Housing Certification (Formerly Certificate of Continued Occupancy, CCO)

A Housing Certification is required when selling or renting a home and is the responsibility of the seller. 

The cost to apply for a Housing Certification is $225.  Exact change cash or two separate checks (or Money Orders) are acceptable methods of payment.  One in the amount of $150 for the Housing Certification, and one for the Smoke Certificate in the amount of $75, payable to Manalapan Township.

A Housing Certification is good for 90 days from the date of issuance. The Smoke Detector Certification expires after six months from the date of issuance.

When applying for a Housing Certification it is required that all residential units have a “2A 10BC” type fire extinguisher, no larger than 10 lbs.  We suggest placing the fire extinguisher in the kitchen cabinet located below the sink, or mounted within 10 feet of the kitchen.

Prior to scheduling your Housing Certification, be sure to review the checklist of items the Housing Inspector will be checking.  This list can be obtained from the Construction Office and is usually given out when applying for a Housing Certification.  The list can also be viewed on this site.  It is imperative these items be addressed prior to the inspection date in order to avoid delays, as well as avoiding the need for a re-inspection.  It is also necessary to “close out” all existing open permits prior to the Housing Certification inspection.  It should also be noted that permits must be “closed out” in order to become part of the block and lot file.

All homes with well and septic systems must have approval from the Health Department in order for a Housing Certification to be issued.