What is a temporary use and occupancy certificate when selling in Pennsylvania?

Perkiomen Township, in Montgomery County, says that if a listed item fails inspection, the inspector issues either a Temporary Use and Occupancy Certificate or a Temporary Access Certificate. The buyer or buyers sign it and return it to the township within 14 days of the certificate date, or before settlement if that is sooner. The sale can then proceed, with the buyer taking responsibility for the open items.

The township form says all work required to obtain a clean certificate of occupancy must be completed and the property reinspected within 12 months of settlement. It also notes that a Temporary Access Certificate does not allow occupancy except to work on the property to correct the violations. A buyer planning to move in right away needs to know which type applies.

A temporary certificate moves repair duty to the buyer on paper, but the contract still has to say who pays and who fixes. Buyers may ask for a price cut. Ask your attorney how to word it. If you leave work undone and the buyer fails to comply, ask whether any exposure stays with you.

This example comes from a form revised in January 2019. Other municipalities have different terms or none. Call the code office and ask for the current forms. This page is general information and not legal advice.

A temporary certificate still leaves the repair list in play, which some sellers would rather skip. If you want a direct sale, Kaizen Home Buyers can make a cash offer on the house exactly as it stands. There are no repairs and no agent commission. An offer can come within 24 hours, and closing takes 14 to 30 days or lands on your date. The number is 267-329-0084.