Real Estate Transfer Information

Real Estate Transfer Checklist:

Property Sales & Rentals 

Application for Letter of Review - Sales & Rentals

Letter of Review: an approval for onsite septic systems and/or onsite well water quality is required for any transfer of property - sale, rental, or change of use - in Hopewell Township. This includes commercial, residential, agricultural, and industrial properties. If a property has public water or public sewer services, these approvals are not required. 

Filing for Review: to apply, the reports of septic inspection and/or well water analysis shall be submitted with the Application for Letter of Review and the total fee at least 10 business days prior to the change of occupancy. All applications must be filled out completely, all reports attached, and fees submitted together. We do not accept partial applications, reports, or fees; they will be returned. If deficiencies in septic system or water quality were found, a written statement noting how they will be addressed, by whom, and when, will help speed up the review process. 

The Health Department does not dictate who pays for testing or submits applications/fees. That is privately negotiated and agreed upon as part of the sale process. Fee for septic review is $75.00 and water quality is $75.00, creating a total of $150.00. We do not accept credit cards, only cash or check payable to "Hopewell Township." 

Septic System: a third party inspection firm must be contracted to inspect the septic system following NJDEP procedures. These procedures are prescribed by State law and assure that standardized inspection methods are followed. If the inspection report lists deficiencies, the buyer and seller must negotiate how those deficiencies will be addressed. Repairs or alternations to septic systems require permits and inspections from the Health Department (with the exception of rusty tank lids/bolts). Those issues shall be resolved between private parties. 

Rentals require a septic tank pump out after each change of occupancy. A full septic inspection is required for rentals, if not done within a year. 

Well Water: a NJDEP certified laboratory must collect a water sample from the property following the New Jersey Private Well Testing Act (PWTA) procedures and analyze for all PWTA parameters. A raw water sample is required. If treatment device(s) are already installed, post-treatment sample(s) are also needed to demonstrate effectiveness of the system(s). 

If the water test fails to meet New Jersey Safe Drinking Water Act standards for primary drinking water contaminants, corrective action will be required. All water treatment system installations must be permitted through the Municipal Construction Department prior to installation to assure they meet all applicable plumbing standards. 

*If deficiencies in septic system or water quality were found, a written statement noting how they will be addressed, by whom, and when, must be submitted to the Health Department. 

Property owners and landlords must also comply with Fire Safety requirements for Home Sales & Rentals. Contact 609-730-8156 or visit the Fire District page at www.hopewelltwp.org for more information.