Housing and Fire Prevention Notice

Important Changes to the Fire Code for Residential Rental and Resale Properties

FirecodePlease be advised that important changes have been made recently to the NJ Uniform Fire Code that affect both residential rental properties and residential properties that are being resold.  These inspection changes help to reduce the fire risk to occupants that are typical to residential properties.

Smoke Alarms

Ten-year sealed battery-powered single station smoke alarms are now required for any residential property transfer.  Any residential rental property currently utilizing detectors that have replaceable batteries MUST BE REPLACED with the ten year sealed battery type. This includes combination detectors (smoke/carbon monoxide). You may not replace any A.C. powered single or multiple station smoke alarms with battery-powered smoke alarms.   A/C-powered smoke alarms shall be accepted as meeting all the requirements as of January 1st, 2019.  See N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.19 for full explanation of the requirements. 

Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers must be installed within 10 feet of the kitchen and located in the path of egress within full view and readily accessible.  They must be mounted so that the top is not more than 5 feet above the floor using the manufacturer's hanging bracket with the operating instructions clearly visible.  The owner’s manual must be provided during the inspection and left for the new occupant. 

The extinguisher shall be an approved listed and labeled type with a minimum rating of 2A-10B:C and no more than 10 pounds.  Please note that anything less than a 3 lb. extinguisher will NOT satisfy this requirement.   The extinguisher must also be serviced and tagged as operational by a certified Division of Fire Safety contractor within the past 12 months or the seller must have a receipt for a recently purchased extinguisher.  Again see N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.19 section (e) for the full explanation of the requirements.  

We hope that this overview will clarify the inspection requirements for your residential property resale or rental.