Selling a Home in Millburn? Don't Ignore This Crucial Step.

With all of the red tape involved in selling a house in Millburn, it can be easy to overlook one crucial element… a fire inspection.

In a recent release, the Millburn Fire Department reminded residents that before selling a property - or changing occupants of a rental property - a successful fire inspection is required.

MFD officials are available to conduct inspections by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays, between the hours of 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Fees start at $100 for an inspection booked at least 10 days before the inspection date; fees increase to $125 if booked four to 10 days prior to the inspection date, and to $175 if booked fewer than four days in advance. An additional $50 is assessed for each re-inspection needed, and cancellations must be made with 24 hours’ notice to avoid charges.

Upon a successful inspection, a Certificate of Inspection will be issued and will remain valid for six months.

The inspection should be conducted at least 10 days prior to closing, the release stated.

To schedule an inspection or to obtain more information, residents can call 973-564-7043.

“The safety of our new property owners — and all our residents — is of primary concern,” said Millburn Fire Chief J. Michael Roberts. “We are grateful for the full cooperation of buyers and sellers in this process.”

INSPECTION TIPS

To ensure successful inspection, residents are reminded to follow key fire safety guidelines:

• By township ordinance, structures must display a numerical address that matches the tax record for the property. The address must be at least four inches high on a contrasting background, and be legible and clearly visible from the street. Cursive numbers are not permitted.
• A portable fire extinguisher must be mounted on a wall in the kitchen no higher than five feet off the floor and be visible and readily accessible.The extinguisher must be mounted near an exit or travel path that provides an escape route to the exterior of the home. The extinguisher must be rated “2A:10: B:C” or better, but weigh ten pounds or less.
• Smoke detectors are required in all residential properties. If an alarm system, hard-wired smoke detectors, or battery-operated smoke alarms are present, they must be in working order. Detectors must be placed in designated areas: in the basement, one detector at the bottom of the stairs; on the first floor, one detector at the bottom of the stairs leading to the second floor; on the second floor, one detector at the top of the stairs leading up from the first floor; for a third floor, one detector at the top of the stairs leading up from the second floor. Detectors are only required in attics that are finished or used for sleeping. In addition to these requirements, a detector must be located within 10 feet of bedrooms and sleeping areas.
• Carbon monoxide detectors are also required, and must be located within 10 feet of all bedrooms and sleeping areas.

Send Millburn-Short Hills press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com