Fair Lawn, NJ real estate: buy or sell with a local AXEN agent
Fair Lawn will not let a 1- or 2-family home, townhome or condo change hands without a Certificate of Continued Occupancy from the borough. The inspector looks for work done without permits. Even on an as-is sale, a failed sidewalk must be fixed first.
What are the popular neighborhoods in Fair Lawn?
Popular Fair Lawn neighborhoods include Radburn, Columbia Heights, Warren Point, Memorial Park, River Road District and Broadway District. Each one prices differently, so ask your agent for recent sales in the ones you like.
Also near Fair Lawn:
What should you know before buying a home in Fair Lawn?
If you buy a Fair Lawn home as-is, ask for a conditional Certificate of Continued Occupancy. It lets the title move to you, but you cannot move in until you fix what the inspection found. Your attorney must send a letter, and you pay a second $175 fee after closing.
The rules that apply everywhere in New Jersey are on the New Jersey page. These are the Fair Lawn details that trip people up.
Get pre-approved →- As-is means fix it before you move in. A conditional certificate lets title transfer but not move-in. You must re-apply after closing and pay another $175. You fix every item that failed. Then the borough issues the full certificate.
- Work without permits gets caught. The borough inspects and may take photos. Work done without permits must be corrected. The water valve must also pass before you get the full certificate.
- Most rentals are under rent control. Fair Lawn says all homes for rent are under rent control, except owner-occupied 2-family homes. New units rented for the first time are exempt. Single and 2-family rentals must register with the Borough Clerk, and that lasts 6 years.
- Ask if the home is in Radburn. Radburn was built in 1928 as a planned town and became a National Historic Landmark in 2005. It has its own Radburn Association. Ask the seller what that means for the home before you sign.
- Read the flood answers first. Since March 20, 2024, New Jersey sellers must say on the disclosure form if the home is in a FEMA flood zone. They must also share what they know about past flooding. You get this before you are bound by the contract.
What should you do before selling a home in Fair Lawn?
Figures as of .
Fair Lawn sellers need two papers: a Certificate of Continued Occupancy from the building department, and a smoke alarm certificate from Fire Prevention. The building fee is $175. The fire fee runs $90 to $125 and is lower when you book further ahead.
Apply for the CCO in Room 112.
Apply at the building department, Room 112. The fee is $175. The borough needs this certificate for any transfer of title in a 1- or 2-family home.
Book the fire check early.
Call Fire Prevention to set the smoke and CO alarm check. The fee is $90 to $125, based on how far ahead you book. Pay by check, not cash. Each extra visit is $50. The certificate is good for 6 months.
Label solar or generator power.
If the home has solar, a generator or a battery backup, it needs a printed label within 18 inches of the main panel and meter. It must say CAUTION: MULTIPLE SOURCES OF POWER. A handwritten label does not count.
Fair Lawn real estate questions
What smoke alarms does Fair Lawn want?
At least one 10-year sealed smoke alarm on each level, including the basement. You also need one within 10 feet of each bedroom door or in each bedroom. Combo smoke and CO alarms must be 10-year sealed too.
Can I buy a Fair Lawn home as-is?
Yes, with a conditional Certificate of Continued Occupancy. It lets title transfer but no one can move in. A failed sidewalk must still be fixed first, and the seller must show the smoke certificate or a fire waiver.
How long is the smoke certificate good for?
Six months from the inspection. If closing slips past that, you will need a new inspection.
Is my Fair Lawn rental under rent control?
Most likely. All homes for rent are under rent control, except owner-occupied 2-family homes and new units rented for the first time. A Fire Prevention check is needed before every new tenant moves in.
How do I appeal my Fair Lawn property taxes?
File with the Bergen County Board of Taxation. The normal deadline is April 1, or May 1 if the whole town was just revalued. It must be received by that date, not just mailed.
Buying or selling in Fair Lawn? Talk to a local agent.
An AXEN agent who works in Fair Lawn answers your questions for free. No cost to talk. No pressure to sign anything.