Pass Your Whitehall U&O: Pre‑Listing Repair Checklist

Selling in Whitehall and worried the U&O might delay your closing? You’re not alone. The Township’s inspection is thorough, but with a smart pre-listing plan you can pass on the first try. In this guide, you’ll see exactly what inspectors look for, the fixes to do first, ballpark costs, and how to schedule your inspection on time. Let’s dive in.

What Whitehall requires for U&O

Whitehall Township requires a use and occupancy inspection, and a new certificate, before any change in ownership or tenancy. Inspectors check building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and property maintenance items for compliance. You can review the legal basis in the Township’s Property Maintenance Code and process details, including the 30-day correction window and conditional certificates, in the official code resources. See the Township’s code language on inspections and certificates in the Property Maintenance Code and Building Code amendments for issuance timelines within 10 days when the property meets code.

• Review the Property Maintenance Code requirements: Township code overview
• See issuance timing when compliant: Building Code amendments R110.1/R110.3

How to schedule your inspection

• Submit the Certificate of Occupancy Inspection Application and review the fee schedule on the Township’s Forms and Documents page. Access forms and guides
• Whitehall’s Codes staff coordinates property maintenance U&O inspections and works with the contracted Keycodes Inspection Agency for other inspections. For contacts, see the Township’s Permits and Planning page. Find contacts
• After your initial inspection, you typically have 30 days to correct violations and schedule reinspection. Conditional or temporary certificates may be issued at the Township’s discretion when certain conditions are met. Read correction and certificate rules

Pre-listing repair checklist: what inspectors check

Use this list to fix items before you request an inspection. Tackle life-safety first.

Life-safety and alarms

• Smoke detectors on every floor and in each bedroom. Test and replace nonworking units. Code overview
• Carbon monoxide alarms if you have any fossil-fuel appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage. Place near sleeping areas and per appliance guidance. PA Act 121 requirements

Electrical and laundry

• GFCI protection at kitchen countertops within 6 feet of the sink, all bathrooms, laundry area (at least one GFCI), and required outdoor outlets.
• Fix visible hazards like missing cover plates or open junctions. Ensure occupants can access the electrical panel. Code overview

Plumbing and clear-water compliance

• Water heater T&P discharge piped full-size to within 6 inches of the floor.
• No sump pumps, roof downspouts, or clear-water drains connected to the sanitary sewer. Redirect to yard or approved drainage. CWSA clear-water guidance

Egress, stairs, windows, and handrails

• Sleeping-room egress windows must open and meet emergency escape standards. Keep all exit paths clear.
• Stairs with four or more risers need a handrail. Guards are required where there is a drop of more than 30 inches. Interior locks must allow emergency egress without a key. Code overview

Exterior address and property upkeep

• Post visible 4-inch address numbers with proper stroke width facing the street.
• Remove trash and weeds, correct exterior hazards, and secure pools with compliant barriers and self-latching gates. Code overview

HVAC, heating, dryer venting, and fuel systems

• Heating equipment must operate safely.
• Dryer must vent to the exterior or an approved alternative.
• For oil boilers in basements, install an oil burner shut-off switch at the top of the basement steps or outside the room. Code overview

Multifamily or commercial extras

• Expect checks for minimum electrical service, posted unit and building addresses, and documentation for fire protection systems where present. Commercial spaces require applicable fire and building sign-offs. Code overview

Typical fail items and what they cost

Use these ballpark ranges to budget. Local quotes will vary.

• Smoke and CO detectors. Battery units often cost 10 to 50 dollars each, with combination or hardwired units typically 40 to 150 dollars plus installation if needed. Recent price ranges
• CO alarms required when fossil-fuel appliances or attached garages are present. Combo or standalone units typically 20 to 150 dollars. PA Act 121 basics
• GFCI outlets. Replacing an outlet with GFCI protection often runs about 90 to 300 dollars each depending on labor and wiring. Cost overview
• Electrical odds and ends. Cover plates are inexpensive, but a service visit may cost 75 to 250 dollars depending on scope. Code overview
• Water heater T&P piping or valve. Parts commonly 20 to 50 dollars; plumber visit often 100 to 300 dollars depending on shop rates. Broader plumbing repairs may run 150 to 400 dollars. Plumber cost guide
• Sump pump or downspout reroutes. Small reroutes are often 200 to 800 dollars; longer trenching to storm solutions can exceed 1,000 dollars. CWSA guidance
• Egress window fixes. A full basement egress window installation can range roughly 2,300 to 6,000 dollars or more; minor repairs to restore operation cost far less. Egress window costs
• Dryer vent to exterior. Typical corrections often 100 to 300 dollars.
• Handrail or guard repairs. Simple installs or tightening often 150 to 600 dollars.

Timeline: a no-drama workflow

• Step 1: Download the Certificate of Occupancy Inspection Application and fee schedule, then submit early. The code allows certificate issuance within 10 days when compliant, but you should allow time for reinspection. Forms and guides and issuance timing
• Step 2: Do a pre-audit. Test alarms, verify GFCIs, check handrails, confirm T&P piping, fix leaks, set address numbers, verify dryer venting, and reroute any sump pump discharge.
• Step 3: If the property is a rental, confirm required landlord registration and designate a local responsible agent as the code requires. Code overview
• Step 4: For any clear-water corrections, coordinate with CWSA and document reroutes before your Township inspection. CWSA inspections
• Step 5: If you receive a conditional or temporary certificate, track deadlines, escrow requirements, and schedule the reinspection within the 30-day window. Certificate and enforcement details

Avoid delays: enforcement and appeals

Uncorrected violations can trigger enforcement, daily continuing violations, fines, or liens. There is a right to appeal to the Building Code Board of Appeals within stated timeframes, but the fastest path is proactive compliance before listing. Do not transfer ownership without the required certificate. Read enforcement provisions

Ready to sell in Whitehall?

A little prep goes a long way. With a focused pre-listing plan, you can pass Whitehall’s U&O on the first attempt and keep your sale on track. If you want local guidance and a vetted vendor game plan tailored to your property, connect with Renee Marinelli for a streamlined listing strategy.

FAQs

What is a Whitehall U&O and when do sellers need it?

• Whitehall Township requires a use and occupancy inspection and certificate before a change in ownership or tenancy for residential and nonresidential properties.

How long does it take to get a U&O in Whitehall?

• If your home meets code, the Building Official can issue a certificate within 10 days after written application.

Do I need carbon monoxide detectors to pass in Whitehall?

• Yes, if your home has any fossil-fuel appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage, CO alarms are required near sleeping areas and per appliance guidance under PA Act 121.

Can I close with open violations in Whitehall?

• The Township may issue temporary or conditional certificates at its discretion with deadlines and escrow, but full compliance is the cleanest path to closing.

Are sump pumps allowed to discharge into Whitehall’s sanitary sewer?

• No, clear-water sources like sump pumps and roof downspouts cannot discharge to the sanitary sewer and must be rerouted per CWSA guidance.

What are the most common issues that fail Whitehall’s U&O?

• Missing or nonworking smoke and CO detectors, lack of GFCI protection, improper water heater T&P piping, sump pumps tied to the sanitary sewer, missing handrails, obstructed egress, and missing address numbers are frequent findings.