When a property served by a septic system is being sold or transferred, the seller must record a Notice of On-site Sewage System Operation and Maintenance Requirements (OSSM)** at the King County Recorder’s Office. This is a document that acknowledges the property is served by a septic system and describes the owner’s responsibilities for maintaining the system.

King County requires the sellers of all properties with septic systems to have them inspected by a King County licensed On-Site System Maintainer (OSM).  The inspection must be given to both the buyer and the Public Health Department before the transfer of title.

A transaction may be delayed until the following steps are completed:

• Verification from the County Health Department that they have received, reviewed and approved the OSS report and have received their fee prior to closing.

• The buyer must sign the form 22U (buyer’s declaration of receipt) prior to closing.

• Escrow needs to be provided with evidence that the form 22U has been recorded.  It must be recorded prior to the transfer.

• There is a required $40.00 OSS “Education Fee”, paid to King County, for which the buyer will receive educational material from King County three (3) to six (6) months after closing.  Escrow can facilitate this process.

If you want more detailed information please contact the Public Health Department at 206-296-4600 or visit the website http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/ehs/wastewater.aspx