The NJ smoke detector, carbon monoxide alarm and fire extinguisher certificate

In New Jersey, a one- or two-family home needs a Certificate of Smoke Detector, Carbon Monoxide Alarm and Portable Fire Extinguisher Compliance whenever it changes occupancy, including when a new tenant moves in. The certificate is issued by your local fire official or enforcing agency after an inspection.

What the inspector checks

• Smoke alarms on every level, including the basement, and outside each sleeping area. Hardwired alarms must stay hardwired and working.
• Ten-year sealed batteries. Battery-only smoke alarms must be the ten-year sealed, non-removable battery type.
• Carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas in homes with a fuel-burning appliance (such as a gas furnace, water heater or stove) or an attached garage.
• A portable fire extinguisher of the required type and size, mounted in a visible spot near the kitchen and the path out of the home, with its tag and instructions visible.

Tips to pass the first time

• Test every alarm and replace any older than ten years.
• Mount the extinguisher, rather than leaving it in a cabinet, and check its gauge.
• Make sure house numbers are visible from the street, since the inspector needs to find the home.
• Book early; fees can be higher for requests made close to the move-in date, and towns get busy in summer.

Buildings with three or more units

Multiple dwellings are handled under different fire safety and housing inspection rules. See multi-family property management and small apartment buildings.

This certificate is one of several items to arrange before a new tenancy; the full list is in the New Jersey landlord compliance guide. We schedule it as part of tenant placement.