Aim for an 'A' on Title V

There has been a lot of talk about Title V lately. Title V refers to the state regulation of the type of septic system your house or condo association has in order to dispose of waste. Many homes on the outer cape have cesspools or a version of a septic system. However, these systems do not pass as title v systems.

When selling your home or condo, you must be sure that the health department for the town where your property is located, has a passing Title V report. This means that your system has been tested by a licensed inspector and filed with the town. Your system should be tested every two years to keep the report current. If you are not selling your property there is no need to test, but proper maintenance by pumping should be done occasionally. If you are not aware of the type of system you have and you are planning to sell your home, make sure your realtor gets a copy of the title V report prior to listing your home for sale. You should know what type of system you have and whether or not it passes. 

Effective February 1, 2005, all homes and condo associations in Provincetown and most other communities in the state, must have a passing Title V when selling property. Sellers who offer town approved engineering plans are on the right track, however, it is difficult for a buyer to obtain financing with competitive interest rates when a property does not have a passing Title V. Seller beware, considering the current market conditions, this could make your property a challenge to sell.