Title 5 is required in Massachusetts when selling your house or condo. It is also required when a homeowner wants to do renovations that could alter the number of bedrooms in the home. What exactly does Title 5 mean? Title 5 refers to the document written by the Environmental Code for the state of Massachusetts that governs  on site sewage systems for homes and condos. The Massachusetts DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) has useful information on their website relating to Title 5. Generally, your local board of health is the regulator of Title 5 in MA. If you have questions relating to your septic, call your local board of health.

If you are buying, you should obtain a copy before purchasing the house. Septic systems work by counting the number of bedrooms to ensure the system can handle the use for the people living in the house. Be sure to check the Title 5 report to ensure the number of bedrooms approved matches the actual number of bedrooms in the house.

If your system fails inspection, it must be repaired or upgraded. A homeowner typically have two years to complete the work. If you can’t afford the repairs, contact your local board of health. There are loan options available through Mass Housing.

Remember, Title 5 relates to the regulation of on site sewage system for homes and condos in Massachusetts.