What You Should Know When BUYING A HOUSE WITH AN ONSITE SYSTEM

 

The Virginia Department of Health does not require activities in conjunction with the buying or selling of property with septic systems. However, during real estate transactions involving properties with septic systems, questions often arise from buyers, sellers, and lenders.

The first step for those involved is to understand how septic systems work and what the property owner’s responsibilities are regarding septic systems. You can learn more about how systems work HERE. You can learn more about owner responsibilities HERE.

Once you understand how septic systems work in general, you’ll want to know exactly what type of septic system serves the property you’re interested in. Septic system records are available to you at your Local Health Department upon request. Here’s a breakdown of what you will learn:

 

PERMITS

 

INSPECTION REPORTS

 

OPERATION PERMITS

 

AS-BUILT DRAWINGS

 

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL & REPORTS

 

ENFORCEMENT ACTION RECORDS

 

DEED SEARCH

 

REAL ESTATE INSPECTIONS

 

 

Last Updated: July 18, 2019