Septic tanks registration deadline looming

A new regulation which requires septic tanks to be registered will come into force from January 1st 2012.

This new law will means that under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010, householders with existing or new septic tanks will have to register the tank with the Environmental Agency or face a broad range of enforcement actions from the Agency.

This is particularly relevant to people living in rural areas who are buying and selling their homes. Once the regulations take effect, those trying to buy or sell a property with an unregistered septic tank will find that mortgage lenders will not release the funds and sales could be delayed.

An experienced property solicitor will be able source evidence of the registration during a property purchase as well as identify any conditions imposed on the registration.

Even home owners with septic tanks, who aren’t thinking of moving shortly, are being encouraged to register their tanks now to avoid unnecessary problems. For example, a large property with 10 or more occupants may require an environmental permit rather than a mere registration.

By residential conveyancing solicitor and Stephensons’ Partner, Tom Bridge

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