Only if it was included in the contract as a buyer stipulation !   There's no requirement here but I would include it in negotiations as a requirement or concession from the seller on a property with a tank.   You never know what will be uncovered ( no pun intended ) when the septic company opens that lid. Hopefully their comment won't be, . . . . . Aw, Sh . . . . !

It may depend on any state regulations and certainly what's in the contract. I also request a septic inspection and certification from the seller (in the few I have done) so that necessitates pumping for an inspection. I had a deal here in CA where the tank did not pass and in order to sell the seller had to put in a new tank. We sold a home in MA years ago and as I recall a Title 5 inspecton is required in order to sell

Not in North Carolina. This is a state by state requirement.

Depends on the wording in your purchase agreement.   

We write it into the contract and it is a negotiation item.  All of my Buyers have the tank pumped and inspected.  You don't want them stuck with a $30K bill for a new system a few months down the road!

AZ law, yes. Unless pumped within 6 months prior, must be pumped as part of transfer.

As a buyer representative, It would be a great suggestion to your buyer to have the tank inspected and clean as part of due diligence period.

Renee Paray The PA Seller Disclosure form asks seller to indicate how often the septic is serviced and when last serviced.

See #10 Sewage System D. Tanks &Service

Not in my area, its up to the buyer to do septic tank inspection

Not unless it's in the Contract. 

     Sellers should have the drain field inspected and the septic tank pumped before putting the house on the market. 

    If they don't, then the Buyer should write it into the Contract.  The last thing you want is a bad septic system.

NO, however most will need to do it for the Buyers Septic Inspection

Not in my area. I remember a time that the appraisers required septic tank certifications and cleaning but now it is usually only if the buyer asks for it as part of the repair or negotiating process.

Good morning Renee. It is a good idea to have a report done and the tank pumped will give any prospective buyer confidence in the rest of the property.

Only if specified in the contract. Our contracts do require disclosure of most recent service for septic tanks.

Renee Paray - to best of my knowledge - in MA, the sellers need TITLE V clearance only - that does not mean they need to clean the septic.

one of the counties I work in requires this the others do not.

Not "required" but often negotiated. If there's a septic tank, I advise my buyer to have it inspected. That will show if it's needed or not.

This city girl doesn't to do too many septic tank deals, and each time I have to read the boilerplate in the contract 

No. You actually don't want it pumped out before the septic inspection. After inspection, it might or might not need to be pumped.

I've not listed or sold a home with a septic tank.  I would check with your local experts and consult with what the contract says. 

No, unless there is a state/local ordinance that requires it or agreed upon in contract. Price adjustments could come into play depending on the condition during a recommended inspection.

Not here in IL unless it is not working properly. It must be inspected by the county before close. We have 'upgraded' septic fields to bio-hazard zones if they are not working correctly. 

Depends on the state.  If cash and no inspection, probably not.

I do not believe it is a requirement, but usually is on the inspection notice to seller.

I think, it depends on your city requirements if any? If i were representing a buyer and knew about septic tank, I'd added it to buyer requests.

Mine do. Don't think it's mandatory.  There is an inspection required.

Tha depends on the area you live in.

In my area , some local gevernments require a certification of the system.  In order to do that the tank must be pumped.   

Some authorities require you to pump your tank 3 years

The seller is not requited to do much of anything except disclose all pertinent knowledge of the home and clear all liens at the close of escrow.

No, but as buyers agents we do coach our buyers to have a septic inspection and that requires a pump out although at the buyers' expense.

Look at the terms of the contract and your local regulations.

Not sure if that is part of the personal possessions that are required to be removed by closing, will have to examine the contract to be sure.

If requested! You would want to start out with a CLEAN slate...yes?

Not in any jurisdiction I have practiced in!

Not unless they also operate a septic tank service company!! 

Not in my market, unless there is an issue during inspection.

We have it in the contract for normal sales and it would be up to the seller to take care of the inspection and get rid of their leavings.

If a septic inspection is requested.  It usually is.

Not in Texas unless that condition was agreed to in the contract.

They are not REQUIRED to, but should

Not in this area.  Interestingly, it's often the buyer who pays for that pump out during their inspection.

May depend on state laws.