Freehold Township CCO & Fire Inspections: Seller Checklist

Getting ready to sell in Freehold Township? Before anyone can move in, the township must issue a Certificate of Continued Occupancy and sign off on a separate Fire inspection for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. The process can feel technical, and the wrong small detail can delay your closing. This guide gives you a clear seller checklist with the exact forms, fees, timing, and top fixes, plus what to do if you cannot pass in time. Let’s dive in.

What Freehold Township requires

Submit both applications together

You must file the CCO Application and the separate Smoke–Carbon Monoxide (Fire) Application for any sale or rental. You can find both on the township’s Forms page. The township will schedule your inspection after both applications and payments are received.

Fees and payment method

Per the current CCO application, the fees are: single‑family, townhouse, or condo CCO fee $150 (includes two inspection dates); Fire inspection application $45; any additional re‑inspections $65 each. Payment is by check or money order only. Confirm amounts and rules on the CCO Application before you submit.

Where and how to submit

Mail or deliver applications and payments to the Housing Department at One Municipal Plaza. After the township receives both applications and fees, you can schedule the inspection appointment through the department.

Timing and validity

Scheduling basics

Utilities must be on so inspectors can test appliances, plumbing, HVAC, and alarms. Rental properties must be vacant and cleaned/prepared as outlined on the township checklist.

How long your CCO lasts

A resale CCO is valid up to 120 calendar days from issuance. A rental CCO is valid up to 60 days. Plan your inspection date with your target closing in mind. See the township’s FAQ for validity windows.

What inspectors look for

Use the township’s official checklist to prep room by room. Review the CCO/Fire Inspection Checklist and focus on these common fail items:

• Smoke alarms on every level, including the basement, and within 10 feet of bedrooms. Replace any unit older than 10 years with compliant models.
• Carbon monoxide alarms within 10 feet of bedrooms, installed per the checklist.
• GFCI protection within 6 feet of sinks in kitchens and bathrooms. Cover all outlets, switches, and junction boxes.
• Secure handrails on stairs with 4 or more risers. Fix loose steps and trip hazards.
• Dryer vent is flexible metal, not plastic, and routed as short and straight as possible. Washer drains properly. Sump pump has its own outlet and discharges outside.
• Garage-to-house door is solid core wood or steel with a minimum 20‑minute fire rating. No extension cords powering the garage door opener.
• Exterior doors and locks function. No double‑key deadbolts. Sliding doors operate smoothly.
• House number visible from the street, ideally 6 inches high, with good contrast.
• Pools have self‑closing, self‑latching gates and are either open and running or properly closed.
• Apartments or complex rentals: a 2A‑10B:C kitchen fire extinguisher, tagged or new, mounted and visible.

NJ smoke and CO rules to know

New Jersey’s Uniform Fire Code sets alarm requirements that local inspections enforce. Under NJAC 5:70‑4.19, certain dwellings that use battery-powered single‑station smoke alarms must have 10‑year sealed battery units. You also need working smoke alarms on every level and near bedrooms, plus CO alarms within 10 feet of sleeping areas. Replacing outdated or missing units before inspection is one of the fastest ways to avoid a fail.

Step‑by‑step seller checklist

Before you apply

• Close any open permits. Common items include finished basements, decks, sheds, HVAC, and water heaters.
• If on private well or septic, contact the Health Department for required approvals.
• If renting and built before 1978, obtain a New Jersey lead‑safe certificate (valid for two years per the checklist).

Submit and schedule

• Complete the CCO and Fire applications and prepare two separate checks or money orders for the fees.
• Mail or deliver to One Municipal Plaza, then schedule the inspection once both applications and payments are on file.

Prep for inspection day

• Test and replace smoke and CO alarms as needed. Use 10‑year sealed battery smoke alarms where required.
• Add GFCI protection near sinks and cover any open electrical boxes.
• Secure handrails, correct dryer venting, confirm the garage-to-house door rating, and make sure house numbers are visible.
• Ensure all utilities are on. Clear access to the attic, basement, garage, and mechanicals.

If you do not pass the first time

• Fix listed items quickly and use the included second inspection. If more visits are needed, a $65 re‑inspection fee applies.

If you cannot pass before closing

Freehold Township offers a “Transfer of Title — No Occupancy” option when a property cannot pass CCO before closing. The Fire inspection must pass before sale. The buyer’s attorney must prepare a specific letter using the township’s exact sample language. After the township receives the passed Fire inspection and the signed letter, they will email the Transfer of Title document for closing. After closing, the buyer completes all remaining fixes and schedules re‑inspection to obtain the CCO. Review the township’s step‑by‑step instructions and sample letter in the Transfer of Title — No Occupancy guide.

Costs and payment tips

• CCO fee: $150 for single‑family, townhouse, or condo. Two inspections included.
• Fire inspection fee: $45.
• Re‑inspection fee: $65 each beyond the two included.
• Payment: check or money order only. No cash or cards.
• Always confirm current fees and payment rules on the township Forms page before mailing.

Pro tips to avoid re‑inspection

• Replace all smoke alarms older than 10 years and install any missing CO alarms.
• Install GFCI outlets where needed and cap any open junction boxes.
• Check the garage-to-house door rating and correct any extension cord use for the opener.
• Swap plastic dryer vent for flexible metal and shorten the run.
• Verify house numbers are large, high contrast, and visible from the street.
• Close out all old permits before you apply.

Need local guidance?

If you want a second set of eyes before you schedule the township, reach out. With a calm, hospitality‑first approach and local experience across Monmouth and Middlesex counties, Debra Wickenhauser can help you prep smart, price with confidence, and move from listed to closed with fewer surprises.

FAQs

Do you need both CCO and Fire applications for a Freehold Township home sale?

• Yes. The township requires you to submit the CCO and the separate Smoke–Carbon Monoxide (Fire) application together before an inspection is scheduled, as outlined on the Forms page.

How long is a resale CCO valid in Freehold Township?

• A resale CCO is valid up to 120 calendar days from issuance, and a rental CCO is valid up to 60 days per the township FAQ.

What smoke alarm types are required for Freehold Township resale inspections?

• Alarms must be working on every level and near bedrooms, and many battery-powered single‑station units must be 10‑year sealed battery models under NJAC 5:70‑4.19 and the township checklist.

What happens if your property fails the CCO inspection before closing in Freehold Township?

• You can use the “Transfer of Title — No Occupancy” process if the Fire inspection passes first and the buyer’s attorney submits the required letter; after closing the buyer completes repairs and schedules re‑inspection to obtain the CCO, per the township’s guide.

How much are the Freehold Township CCO and Fire inspection fees and how do you pay?

• The CCO fee is $150 with two inspections included, the Fire application is $45, and re‑inspections are $65; pay by check or money order as listed on the CCO Application.