Tool
What should I check before I buy in New Jersey?
Attorney review, flood, underground oil tanks, radon, permits and the real cost. A short checklist with the source behind each state-specific item.
Where the state-specific items come from
- Attorney review: N.J.A.C. 11:5-6.2 gives a three-business-day review for broker-prepared residential contracts; weekends and holidays do not count and the parties may extend it in writing (text).
- Flood: sellers use the updated Property Condition Disclosure Statement with a flood risk section from March 20, 2024; the state's tool checks an address against FEMA hazard areas (NJ flood disclosure hub).
- Heating oil tanks: NJ DEP does not require removal of a residential underground tank without a discharge but strongly recommends removing out-of-service tanks; only DEP-certified firms may work on them (NJ DEP).
- Radon: the seller must give the buyer any test results and mitigation information when the contract is signed (NJ DEP).
Inspection types and town certificate-of-occupancy rules are common practice and vary by property and municipality: confirm them with your inspector and the town. This is a checklist, not legal advice. Your checkmarks are kept on this device only.
Questions
Questions about this tool
How long is the attorney review period in New Jersey?
Three business days for broker-prepared residential contracts, not counting weekends or legal holidays, unless the parties agree in writing to extend it. If no attorney disapproves in that time the contract becomes binding as written.
What flood information must a New Jersey seller give a buyer?
Sellers must use the state's updated Property Condition Disclosure Statement, which has a flood risk section covering flood hazard areas and flood history. The state's flood tool lets you check an address yourself.
Does New Jersey require removal of an underground heating oil tank?
Not without a discharge, according to NJ DEP, but the department strongly recommends removing out-of-service tanks. Ask whether a tank exists and for the closure paperwork.
Are New Jersey sellers required to disclose radon test results?
Yes. NJ DEP guidance says the seller must give the buyer any radon test results and mitigation information when the contract is signed.
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