Short answer
For one- and two-family homes, yes, you generally must show smoke and carbon monoxide alarm compliance before a sale. The state's Division of Fire Safety says one- and two-family dwellings must comply with its alarm rules prior to sale or change of occupancy. Homes built before 1977 need 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms.
What the state announced
A March 2019 Department of Community Affairs release says that 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms are required in homes built before January 1, 1977, and that one- and two-family dwellings will need to comply with the new requirements prior to sale or change of occupancy. The rules took effect January 1, 2019. The release also says combination carbon monoxide and smoke alarm single-station devices must be the 10-year sealed battery type.
The resale application
A Construction Code Communicator from the Department's Division of Codes and Standards mentions an application form from the Division of Fire Safety that is required for resale, rentals and re-occupancy of one- or two-family dwellings. The same article says code officials should not require proof of alarms before issuing a construction permit. I did not find the fee schedule or the validity period of the certificate on the pages I reviewed, so ask your municipal fire official for the current form and timing.
What the code expects in the house
The same article summarizes the building code for rehabilitation projects. Smoke alarms go on each level of the dwelling, including the basement, and outside each separate sleeping area near the bedrooms. Carbon monoxide alarms are required near each sleeping area when the building contains a fuel-burning appliance or has an attached garage, and they may be battery operated, hard-wired or plug-in. Battery operated alarms do not need a permit.
Where it shows up in the sale
The seller's disclosure form also asks about smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, how many and where, and whether any item is not in working order. So the alarms matter twice, once for the municipal certificate and once on the disclosure statement. A buyer's attorney will usually ask about the certificate early, so apply early instead of at the closing table.
Sealed battery alarms and enforcement
The 2019 release describes the 10-year sealed battery alarms as designed to last 10 years and then be replaced. It says local fire inspectors and officials are responsible for enforcement, during routine inspections and prior to property sales. If your house predates 1977, plan to replace older smoke alarms with the sealed type before you apply, since an inspector may check them.
Handling it on a quick sale
Kaizen Home Buyers makes cash offers on New Jersey houses as-is, with no repairs and no agent commission. We can give an offer within 24 hours and close in 14 to 30 days or on the date you choose. Call 267-329-0084. Ask the attorney and your municipality who is responsible for any required alarm certificate on your sale. Listing with an agent is another path, and the same rules apply to it.