Newark, NJ Temporary Certificate of Occupancy

[Kevin Hill]

I currently have an accepted offer for an investor client on a house in Newark. Needs a total renovation, not habitable. The city requires the seller to pay for and setup the certificate of occupancy inspection. The inspection was done about 2 weeks ago. The listing agent now says they have to schedule a hearing to obtain the temporary certificate of occupancy. Any of the Newark investors now how long this process usually takes? We are anxious to close, renovate, and get the house back on the market but the process is dragging on.

[Ibrahim Hughes]

Welcome to 'Nightmare City' when it comes to Newark CO's. I was just reminded of this when I easily applied for a CO for an Investor buddy of mines in Roselle. Easy, simple and straight forward. And he didn't even have to be there. NOT Newark. The hearing (a complete waste of tax payer money imo) usually takes a week or less to schedule and do. Afterwards it will be 3-4 more days for when you can actually pick up the CO. You may be able to close before then but I wouldn't. Not sure why you haven't been scheduled for a hearing yet unless you failed to go down right after the inspection and follow up (Inspector should have to told you this in case you didn't know).

Newark is a stickler for detail. So make sure you have every 'I' dotted and 'T' crossed (if you are the listing agent that means that you need a drivers license, copy of the listing agreement and perhaps a notarized letter from the seller).

I'm surprised that with a complete rehab needed, you didn't have the buyer be responsible for the CO. Also the buyer will need architectural drawings in order to get permits. But that's after the sale and likely not your concern. Just an fyi.