A Use and Occupancy Inspection (often abbreviated to “U&O”) is a type of inspection that is required by some municipalities during a residential resale. In other words, some towns mandate that all homes must be inspected prior to settlement.
These inspections are largely conducted for safety reasons, and to ensure that homes within the neighborhood are in good condition. They are most often required in neighborhoods where the homes are older, including Norristown Borough, Media Borough, Bedminster Township, Warrington Township, Bristol Borough and Bensalem Township.
Wondering what to expect during a U&O inspection? A professional from the municipality’s Code Enforcement Department will schedule a visit to the home, and the actual inspection is typically pretty quick – usually less than thirty minutes. While the requirements vary between towns, they will check for things like cracked sidewalks, peeling paint, broken windows, mold, and a generally clean and well-maintained interior and exterior of the home. To promote safety, they will also ensure that the home has the proper amount of working smoke detectors, handrails, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors.
Most of the time, it’s the sellers responsibility to fix any problems related to the U&O inspection. Should the home have any issues, the inspector will put the needed repairs in writing and schedule a follow-up appointment. In some cases, however, like with bank-owned homes or “as-is” properties (including some estates), the buyer may assist with making the repairs. If you’re interested in learning more, including your municipality’s requirements, be sure to check their website or reach out to your EveryHome agent for details.