What is a Use and Occupancy Inspection?

A use and occupancy inspection is a safety check conducted by the township before a home is sold. If you are selling your home, it’s important to know what items may be on the inspection so you can budget for the repairs. Use and occupancy inspection checklists vary by township, so check with the local government in your area to get a specific list.

What is Typically Required For a Use and Occupancy Inspection? 

The items inspected for use and occupancy depend on where you live, and some townships don’t require them. You can expect to see items on the list that pertain to the safety and general function of your home. 

On the exterior of the home, the inspector often will check sidewalks and curbs, the foundation, rubbish, broken windows, house numbers, high grass and weeds, sheds, GFCIs, the driveway, outdoor lights, gutters, and downspouts.   

Interior items include smoke alarms, handrails, ceilings, carbon monoxide detectors, heating, water supply, fire extinguishers, safe stairs, exits, walls, flooring, and GFCIs. 

More townships are now starting to require sewer line inspections, and often they do not want to see stormwater, sump pumps or condensate running to the sewer line.

How Do I Get My Townships U&O Requirements?

You can contact our team here, and we will be happy to send you to your township's requirements.  You may also be able to find them by going to your township's website or by calling your township.

How Much Does a Use and Occupancy Inspection Cost?

 
The seller typically pays a fee of $150 for a use and occupancy inspection, but it varies by township. Repairs needed after the inspection can add up quickly, with damaged sidewalks and curbs being among the most expensive to fix. 

What Happens if the Home Doesn’t Pass Inspection?
Previously, a failed use and occupancy inspection could stop the sale of your home. New rules state that you can obtain a temporary use and occupancy permit and continue with the sale as long as you make the repairs within twelve months. 

Do I need to pass Use and Occupancy to sell my home?

The short answer is no, but in most transactions, the seller is contractually obligated to pass inspection prior to the transaction closing.  However, there are times when this will make little sense, such as when a house is in bad condition or is an "as is" sale.  This term should be spelled out because the default in the PAR Agreement of Sale is that the seller is going to handle the U&O repairs.

This issue was a problem in the past because some townships would try to prevent the sale of property if U&O didn't pass.

"Pennsylvania's Act 133 of 2016, which took effect in January 2017, prohibits municipalities from denying use and occupancy (U&O) certificates based on the results of a point-of-sale inspection. The law also requires municipalities to give homeowners 12 months to fix any violations found during the inspection. This gives buyers and sellers time to negotiate who will pay for and perform the work"

Getting a temporary U&O permit can be a great solution for many transactions.

Contact the Rob Lawrence Team to Sell Your Home!

If you need information regarding use and occupancy inspections in your area, feel free to reach out to us. We are here to help you meet your real estate goals, and we would be happy to answer your questions about use and occupancy inspections.