By Barbara Coe and Valerie Bagby - August 2025

If you are buying or selling a home, you should know that Virginia passed a law effective July 1, 2025, on how septic system inspections are conducted during real estate transactions.  This new law includes standards for septic inspections, enhancing consumer protection and clarifying septic inspector limitations.

Here are a few informative articles with responsibilities of realtors and septic professionals:

NEW Septic System Inspection Legislation Coming July 1st - Virginia REALTORS®

Virginia Passes HB2671: Standardizing Septic Inspections — Onsite Wastewater Professionals

When working with a realtor to buy or sell a home on Septic, you should ask about the new Virginia septic inspection requirements.

A home's septic system is a critical and expensive asset of the home.  Knowing and complying with the home's septic system capabilities and limitations is equally as important for both the buyer and seller.  The last thing anyone wants when selling or purchasing a home is having costly repairs or problems with their septic system.

In Virginia, homes with septic systems should have an operation permit issued by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) that clearly states (e.g., septic system size, design capacity in gallons per day, bedroom count) what the septic system is designed to handle.  Septic professionals, realtors or yourself can obtain the operation permit (VDH septic permit) from VDH.

For home sellers, ask your realtor to order the operation permit (VDH septic permit) at the time of listing, it may spare you a headache during the sales process.

For home buyers, consider asking for the operation permit (VDH septic permit) and strongly consider your options for having a septic inspection done prior to purchasing the home.

Proper use and maintenance of septic systems are important to the environment and to Lake Anna.

This new Virginia septic law is a major step forward with many benefits for septic professionals, real estate agents, home buyers, and home sellers.

Editor's Note: This article was submitted by two LACA members that are not on the board, Valerie Bagby and Barbara Coe.  All LACA members are encouraged to submit interesting and relevant articles for consideration for publication in LACA's periodic newsletter.  If you would like to submit an article for consideration, please email your article to jd.edwards@lakeannavirginia.org

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or real estate advice. Home buyers and sellers should consult with qualified real estate professionals, septic inspectors, or legal counsel for specific guidance.