The Virginia Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (VOWRA) Answers Questions About the New Virginia Septic Inspection Requirements
These FAQs & Answers are informational and do not represent official guidance from
any group or regulatory agency. We would like to thank our members, realtors, realtor
associations and VDH staff for their contributions. You are encouraged to verify
answers as they relate to your individual circumstances and seek legal counsel and
guidance from Realtor Association Staff, DPOR or VDH when deemed appropriate.
The full FAQ report is linked below
1. Where can I find the full text of the new law?
The new law can be found by searching VA Law HB2671 2025 or at this link
20251/HB2671
2. When does the new law regarding septic inspections take effect?
The new septic system requirements under Virginia law take effect on July 1, 2025.
The law sets out minimum contract, inspection and report requirements for septic
system inspections for real estate sales and refinances only.
3. What exactly does the effective date mean?
Regardless of when a sales contract was ratified or when an agreement between a
septic inspector and a client was signed, any septic inspection completed on or after
July 1, 2025, must comply with the statue.
4. Is a written contract required for a septic inspection?
Yes. Septic system inspectors must have a written contract with their clients that
outlines the scope and terms of the inspection before an inspection can take place.
VOWRA provides examples for its members.
5. What must be included in the septic inspection?
Inspections must cover all readily accessible and openable components such as:
Septic tanks, Pump tanks, Distribution devices, Treatment units, Control panels &
Dispersal fields.
6. Is a septic system inspection report required?
Yes. Septic system inspectors must deliver a written report within 10 business days of
the inspection. The report must describe the condition of the system without using
pass/fail language.
7. Are septic inspections required for all residential property sales?
No. The new law does not require a septic inspection for the sale of a residential
property. However, if an inspection is requested by a lending institution, real estate
licensee, prospective homebuyer, or other impacted party as a condition of sale,
refinancing, or transfer of title, the septic inspection must comply with state law.
8. How does the new law affect residential property listings?
Listing agents should verify the property’s septic system operating permit information,
especially the design capacity or approved bedroom count, to ensure marketing
materials match the approved operating capacity or bedroom count of the septic
system.
9. Can a septic system inspection be limited to “visual inspections with rod probing”
still occur?
No. As of July 1, 2025, VOWRA does not believe that walkover inspections with probing
meet the minimum requirements of the law or best practice in the onsite sewage
industry. This option has been deleted from most real estate septic inspection
addendums.
10. Are new construction listings held to the same standard of minimum septic system
inspection requirements?
If a septic inspection is requested by a lending institution, real estate licensee,
prospective homebuyer, or other impacted party as a condition of sale, refinancing,
or transfer of title, the septic inspection must comply with the new state law.
The full FAQ report is linked below