Buyer's guide: Title 5 septic inspections
Reviewed by Title 5 Roster staff
- Ask for the report early. You are entitled to a copy. Check it's on the MassDEP form and signed by an approved inspector (verify on the NEIWPCC list or our town pages).
- Check the date. It must be within 2 years before closing, or 3 with annual pumping records.
- Read the result. A conditional pass lists components to fix. A failure means an upgrade within 2 years.
- Negotiate. Repair before closing, a price credit, or an escrow holdback are common. Get quotes before you agree on amounts.
- Understand the limits. A pass describes the system on inspection day. If you plan to add bedrooms, a new inspection and possibly an upgrade may be needed.
- Check the town. Some Boards of Health have stricter local rules.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a house with a failed Title 5?
Yes. A failed system must be upgraded within 2 years (unless the Board of Health sets another schedule), and buyer and seller often negotiate a price credit or escrow. Talk to your attorney and lender.
Do I get a copy of the report?
Yes. The person acquiring title must receive a copy of the inspection report.
Sources: Mass.gov: Buying or Selling Property with a Septic System and 310 CMR 15.000 (Title 5), sections 15.300-15.305. Retrieved 2026-10-12. General information, not legal advice; local Boards of Health can have stricter rules.
Sources
- NEIWPCC list (neiwpcc.org)
- Mass.gov: Buying or Selling Property with a Septic System (mass.gov)
- 310 CMR 15.000 (Title 5) (mass.gov)
How do I find a MassDEP-approved Title 5 inspector?
Browse approved inspectors by town or county below; every listing comes from NEIWPCC's list of MassDEP-approved System Inspectors.
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