Arizona Septic System Addendum

Buyer Resources/Disclosures & Agency

Septic Addendum

Buying a home with a septic system.

Arizona requires the seller to have a septic or other on-site wastewater system inspected before ownership transfers. The On-Site Wastewater Treatment Facility Addendum sets the timeline, the repairs and your right to cancel.

How It Works

01Seller’s inspectionA qualified inspector, at the seller’s expense, within 20 days after acceptance.

02PumpingThe septic tank is pumped at the seller’s expense before closing, unless an exception applies.

03Your documentsYou receive the Report of Inspection and any permit or maintenance records.

04Your reviewCancel within your inspection period or 5 days after receiving the documents, whichever is later.

If the System Needs Repairs

“Not Functional”

The seller pays repairs up to 1% of the price or an agreed amount. If costs run higher, you may cancel, or pay the difference to proceed.

“Functional with concerns”

You and the seller may negotiate repairs or improvements, but neither side is required to.

Your Checklist

• Read the Report of Inspection closely, including any concerns noted
• Ask about the system’s age, type and pumping history
• Consider your own inspection or a second opinion
• Deliver the ADEQ Notice of Transfer form to escrow before closing
• Learn the system’s maintenance schedule once you move in

Sample Forms

Blank Arizona REALTORS® samples for reference. We’ll complete the current version together.

On-Site Wastewater (Septic) Treatment Facility AddendumUpdated Jun 2018 · 1 pageSeptic inspection, pumping and repair terms.View sample (PDF) →

Unfamiliar term? Browse the Real Estate Glossary →

General information only, not legal advice. Based on the Arizona REALTORS® On-Site Wastewater Treatment Facility Addendum (June 2018) and ADEQ rules.