Septic is all too common in my market.  Buyer pays for the inspection of the system here and yes... that typically includes pumping out waste that never belonged to the buyer....! ;)

I don't know how it works in California.  However, in Ontario, reference is made to the agreement of purchase and sale that is negotiated between the parties.

Chrisitne,

What Sam Shueh said.  All the best to you with this sale.  A

No requirements in CA.  My understanding is they should disclose last maintenance schedule. An experienced agent can spot and able to discriminate if there is damage on the leach fields.

During the inspection period the buyer should order a septic inspection rpt put on the purchase contract. (new-california-septic-tank-systems/)

In MA, the seller pays for the Title 5 inspection and there's a report that needs to be at closing....it's required...there are exceptions.... 

We have many septic systems in our area. And the seller is usually the person who pays for pumping and inspection. But this is a matter of negotiation in the deal.

You will need to ascertain the local practices.

In Texas typically the buyer would pay to have the septic inspected; however, everything is negotiable.

Can't say in CA but here in IL, the seller has to prove everything is working correctly & passes health codes. County has to sign off or village. Water is sent out & tested.

Only in an REO might it happen here otherwise but that wouldn't even  let the bank off the hook. Don't forget a septic is now considered toxic substances.

It is typically different in each locale per custom.

Part of the buyers inspections.

Eve

Depends on the contract  in pa.

Every deal is different.

We don't run into septic systems very much at all here in Northern Virginia

Buyers pay for the inspection. If the inspection recommends pumping, then we negotiate that but the Seller typically pays for it.

I have always asked the seller to pay for the Septic Cert and cleanout.  Representing the seller that might change if we could get the burden onto the buyer.

I do a lot of septic inspection when selling in our East County. The seller typically pays, but it's the same as how they typically pay for termite, very negotiable and in a sellers market they tend to put both back on the buyer. You have to negotiate it.

buyer pays for the inpsection

In my area everything is negotiable

Christine Kankowski - in MA, it is seller's responsibility of getting clear Title V.

Sorry, septic isn't a thing we commonly see in my part of CA.  I like Sam's answer though.  Buyer pays to inspect what buyer wants to inspect.

Christine - I had a transaction years ago that involved a septic system. To my recollection, the buyer had to pay for the inspection during the inspection period. If there were any repairs, it was negotiable. Not sure how it is done in CA.

Septic tanks are part of the inspection process in TN and that is negotiated between the buyer and seller.

County Regs (and State Forms) have the Seller taking care of this prior to closing.

Florida: 

     Smart Sellers will have the system inspected, the tank pumped out before putting the house on the market.  Smart Buyers will make sure the system is inspected, and the tank is pumped out as a contingency or condition of Contract.   

    Finally, very important in Florida, there are many locales where you MUST hook up to sewer when your septic system fails (if sewer is available).   I know people who have been forced to pay $15K plus for connecting to City of Tallahassee utilities in Leon County, and $10K plus to connect to Talquin Cooperative in Wakulla County.

You have to get septic clearance and if you cannot, seller pays to clear it

It is dictated in the Purchase Agreement.  Most times it is the seller paying for the test.

Typically buer pays for inspection and seller for corrections, if neccessary. Likely a negotiated item or regulated by statute. Check your jurisdiction and boilerplate contract language.

I am in CT, where we have all too many septics... Inspections often yield issues - buyer pays for inspection, but seller pays to correct problems. Septics should be pumped at seller's expense before closing (or within locally required timeframe, at least within two years) and if it happens to be a failed septic, seller may have to install a new one, which is costly.

As you can tell in all the different answers it varies by location - it could even vary by different parts of California.  Where we are it is entirely negotiatable, although as a buyers agent we usually recommend to ask the seller to pay for and schedule it but try to be able to have the buyer choose the company.  I've sold two personal properties with septics.  We, as the sellers, paid for and did both pumps/inspections on those properties. 

I'd talk to your broker.  -Kasey

In our area the seller typically does the emptying of the septic tank and the tests for code issues and this is done at the cost to the seller.  If there is something that needs fixing, the seller gets to do that too.

It should be on the buyer side like all inspections since the inspector has the fiduciary duty to them.

 It is usually the seller in Washington state before closing ....

Here in NH, the buyer pays for the septic inspection. If it needs to be pumped, the seller pays for it to be pumped prior to closing or make any repairs needed. 

In Delaware, the sellers normally get an inspection done and the tank pumped. 

Sellers should maintain septic systems. When they are ready to sell, the buyer should have septic inspection. Tank should not be pumped out by seller until after inspection by buyer. We have different types of septic systems here in VA, so buyers need to make sure they hire someone experienced with all types of systems. We usually check lines to tank, tank, inlet and outlet T's, distribution box, and drain field. I also go to our health dept where they keep files on all septic systemss and septic repairs. Some alternative systems require annual maintenance contracts. Filters, pupms, pump chambers, mulch, modules, etc all need to be inspected.

In Florida, the buyer pays for the septic inspection and it's optional. Of course, I recommend to my buyers to definitely have the septic system inspected. In our area, it's only about $200 for the inspection and could save the buyer thousands of dollars!!!

Here in NC & SC, the buyer pays for any and all Due Diligence, including septic inspections.