Title 5 (Massachusetts Septic)

Title 5 is the Massachusetts regulation that governs private septic systems and requires most homes on septic to pass a Title 5 inspection at the time of sale. A passing inspection is generally valid for a set period, and a failed system usually must be repaired or replaced, which can be a major expense. Because a failed Title 5 can derail a closing, it is one of the first things to check when buying or selling a septic home near the Rhode Island border. Rhode Island regulates septic systems differently under its OWTS rules. See Title 5 vs RI OWTS.