Snohomish County homeowners preparing to sell a property with a septic system have a new item for their closing checklist: an inspection and a report reviewed by the county Health Department.
The new property-transfer requirements begin Nov. 1, 2026. Sellers are responsible for completing the process before closing, according to the Snohomish County Health Department’s property-transfer guide.
For sellers with a closing approaching, now is a good time to check inspection dates and locate system records. Buyers will receive the reviewed report as part of the transfer paperwork.
Start with the inspection and records
The department’s checklist calls for a full inspection by a certified septic contractor within the previous 12 months. Sellers who already have a qualifying recent inspection should review it before booking another visit.
Pumping is required when the contractor recommends it in the inspection report.
Sellers also need to check whether the department has an as-built record showing the system’s location and features. Those records, along with inspection and pumping reports, can be found through the department’s septic records page.
If an as-built is missing, the department requires a certified contractor to complete an On-Site Sewage System Site Plan. If an existing as-built is inaccurate, the discrepancies must be noted in the inspection report.
Submit the property-transfer application
The next step is a Report of Property Transfer application and the associated fee. The department says applications and payments become available Nov. 1.
Staff will review the application and related septic records, then return a Report of Property Transfer identifying any deficiencies found in that review. The reviewed report is valid for 12 months from the date of acceptance.
At transfer, the seller must provide the buyer with the reviewed report, septic maintenance records and the applicable seller’s disclosure statement.
Read any repair findings carefully
The Health Department says surfacing sewage and immediate health or safety hazards, such as an unsafe septic lid, can lead to a site visit, enforcement and a repair schedule for the current owner.
The department also says it cannot stop a property sale. If a property changes hands while those hazards remain unresolved, enforcement can continue with the new owner. Buyers should read the findings closely and clarify which repairs remain outstanding.
Sellers who complete repairs can ask the department to reissue the report showing that the identified problems have been corrected.
Check whether an exemption applies
The department lists an exemption for septic systems installed within the previous 12 months. Its guidance also excludes Tribal Trust land from these property-transfer requirements.
For questions about a particular property, contact the Environmental Health Division at SHD-EHQ@snoco.org or 425-339-5250. The property-transfer page includes the seller checklist, contractor directory, records links and frequently asked questions.
The department announced the approaching start date Oct. 27.
