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Default rule and exceptions
Massachusetts Title 5 (310 CMR 15.000) requires a septic inspection within 2 years before (or 6 months after) a sale; the property owner/operator is responsible for arranging it by default, though buyer and seller may reassign that responsibility in writing before title transfers.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner/operator | Responsible by default for arranging (and paying for) the pre-sale septic inspection. |
| Buyer and seller (by written agreement) | May reassign who arranges the inspection before title transfers. |
| Exceptions | If weather prevents inspection at the time of sale, it must occur within 6 months afterward. |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 29, 2026.
The property owner or operator is responsible for arranging the inspection. The buyer and seller may change the responsibility for arranging the inspection prior to title transfer, provided that this change is put in writing...
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.
City rules rest on state law. Read Massachusetts's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for well / septic: point-of-sale inspection in General, MA?
The property owner. Responsible by default for arranging (and paying for) the pre-sale septic inspection.
Are there exceptions in General, MA?
If weather prevents inspection at the time of sale, it must occur within 6 months afterward.
What is this based on for General, MA?
This verdict is sourced to Buying or Selling Property with a Septic System and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Buying or Selling Property with a Septic Systemregulation · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-29
- Buying or Selling Property with a Septic Systemregulation · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-29
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