The New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) sent a letter to Governor Phil Murphy asking the administration to take additional steps to ensure real estate transactions can continue during the state of emergency issued because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While an earlier executive order from the governor recognized real estate transactions as an essential service, the NJSBA noted, "current closures of various county and municipal services place this essential service in jeopardy without additional immediate action."

The NJSBA requested the administration to issue temporary waivers or provide an alternative method of meeting requirements for smoke alarm certificates and certificates of occupancy; allow ongoing recording of documents and searching of county land records; and allow ongoing availability of municipal tax information.

The NJSBA's letter is one of many positions the Association has advocated on issues related to COVID-19 affecting the state's legal profession. Read more about the NJSBA's advocacy at njsba.com.