Key Info on MA Septic Systems

Many homes in MA are serviced by a local sewer system where waste from the home is sent through public piping and treated at a local facility. However, if you are buying or selling property with a private septic system installed, an inspection of the system may be part of the home buying process.

MA state law regarding septic systems is always evolving, but the best resource for current information is found at the below MA Department of Environmental Protection website.

https://www.mass.gov/guides/buying-or-selling-property-with-a-septic-system

Here are some of the key highlights:

- Most systems require an inspection within 2 years before a sale. If weather conditions prevent inspection at the time of a sale, the inspection must take place within 6 months afterward. Typically the seller will do this before listing the property for sale, but on occasion will stipulate it is the buyers responsibility.

- Typically conventional or FHA mortgages cannot be obtained with a system that fails.

- Most homes listed for sale will include a Title V status. The most common include: pass, conditional pass, buyer's responsibility or fail. If you'd like to know how each of these impact your offer please connect with your Full Circle Realty team member.