Ridgefield, NJ

Selling a home in Ridgefield

These are the steps that come up when you sell a home in Ridgefield. Each rule shows where it comes from and the day we last checked it.

Rules last checked Oct 21, 2026. They change, so confirm with the borough before you rely on them. This is not legal advice.

1. 1

   Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm certificate

   Before a one- or two-family home changes hands, the town certifies that its alarms meet the state rules.

   • The home needs a smoke alarm on each level and outside each separate sleeping area.

     Source: P.L.2025, c.19 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-198.1), New Jersey Legislature. Checked Oct 21, 2026.

   • If the home has a backup power source, such as a generator or solar system, a label warning about it must be within 18 inches of the main electrical panel and meter.

     Source: P.L.2025, c.19 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-198.1), New Jersey Legislature. Checked Oct 21, 2026.

   • The owner must get a certificate from the town before selling. The town sets the fee. Selling without it can bring a fine of up to $500.

     Source: P.L.2025, c.19 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-198.2 and 198.3), New Jersey Legislature. Checked Oct 21, 2026.

   • The 2025 version of this law lists smoke alarms and the power-source label. It no longer lists a portable fire extinguisher.

     Source: P.L.2025, c.19 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-198.1), New Jersey Legislature. Checked Oct 21, 2026.

   • In Ridgefield the smoke and carbon monoxide certificate of compliance is needed when a home changes owners. The Building Department and the Construction Official issue it. The Fire Prevention Bureau does not.

     Source: Borough of Ridgefield, Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Checked Oct 21, 2026.

   • Smoke alarms go on every level, including basements, and outside each sleeping area. Carbon monoxide alarms go near sleeping areas, unless the home has no fuel-burning appliance and no attached garage.

     Source: Borough of Ridgefield, Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Checked Oct 21, 2026.

   Building Department, 700 Shaler Boulevard. Phone (201) 943-5546. Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.

   Source: Borough of Ridgefield, Building Department. Checked Oct 21, 2026.

   Local help on the Ridgefield mailer

   Spot open. Get listed

2. 2

   Building permits on the house

   Work done on the house over the years, such as a deck, a finished basement or new wiring, may have needed a permit. Know what is on file before you list.

   Ridgefield's Building Department issues and inspects building permits. Ask it for the permit history of your address: 700 Shaler Boulevard, phone (201) 943-5546.

   Source: Borough of Ridgefield, Building Department. Checked Oct 21, 2026.

   Local help on the Ridgefield mailer

   Spot open. Get listed

3. 3

   Oil tank

   If the house ever burned heating oil, find out what is buried in the yard before a buyer asks.

   • Only people and firms certified by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) can do work on an underground home heating oil tank.

     Source: NJ Department of Community Affairs, Bulletin 95-1B (revised September 2017). Checked Oct 21, 2026.

   • The DEP strongly recommends removing any underground heating oil tank that is out of service, even if there is no sign of a leak. Insurance and mortgage companies are a main reason tanks get removed.

     Source: NJ Department of Community Affairs, Bulletin 95-1B (revised September 2017). Checked Oct 21, 2026.

   Local help on the Ridgefield mailer

   Spot open. Get listed

4. 4

   Radon

   Radon is a gas that seeps up from the soil. Buyers often test for it during the sale.

   • A radon test on a home someone is thinking of buying must be done by a DEP-certified radon tester, start to finish. The seller or the agent cannot do any part of it, even mailing the test kit.

     Source: NJ DEP, Radon: Information for Home Buyers and Sellers. Checked Oct 21, 2026.

   • A contract can let the buyer test for radon and have a high level fixed, or set money aside in escrow so the buyer can test after moving in.

     Source: NJ DEP, Radon: Information for Home Buyers and Sellers. Checked Oct 21, 2026.

   • The DEP recommends that every homeowner test for radon.

     Source: NJ DEP, Radon: Information for Home Buyers and Sellers. Checked Oct 21, 2026.

   Local help on the Ridgefield mailer

   Spot open. Get listed

5. 5

   Lead paint disclosure (homes built before 1978)

   Federal law covers most homes built before 1978, in every state.

   • Before the buyer signs, you must tell the buyer what you know about lead-based paint and lead hazards in the home and hand over any reports you have.

     Source: U.S. EPA, Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule (Section 1018 of Title X). Checked Oct 21, 2026.

   • You must give the buyer the EPA pamphlet Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home, and the contract must carry a Lead Warning Statement, attached or written in.

     Source: U.S. EPA, Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule (Section 1018 of Title X). Checked Oct 21, 2026.

   • You must give the buyer a 10-day period to have the home checked for lead-based paint or lead hazards.

     Source: U.S. EPA, Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule (Section 1018 of Title X). Checked Oct 21, 2026.

   • Homes built in 1978 or later are not covered, and neither are foreclosure sales.

     Source: U.S. EPA, Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule (Section 1018 of Title X). Checked Oct 21, 2026.

   Local help on the Ridgefield mailer

   Spot open. Get listed

Rules change. Confirm every step with the borough before you act. Nothing on this page is legal advice. Talk to your attorney about your own sale.