Proposed new septic tank regulation to obtain short term rental permit.

[David7091]

Local town in New York wants to add a required Septic tank inspection to Short term rental permit renewal. This will be a costly expense to Airbnb hosts. Any suggestions?

[Fred13]

Lovely place, great area. On the subject of septic, get the facts first and you may be pleasantly surprised; but get a few professional opinions first so when the county inspector comes you are already educated. Those in the trade tend to know each other so oftentimes this proves very helpful.

[Lorna170]

@David7091  If this is an annual cost, will your septic company provide inspection information when you have the tank pumped?

How costly is the inspection fee?  Check with your accountant as to whether or not this fee can be tallied on your Schedule E as an expense.

[Kitty-and-Creek0 · Accepted solution]

@David7091 

Greetings from a rural host with proper permits. This is a simple inspection that will help determine that the public is protected and provided for under the Health and Safety Codes for your area. It is not adversarial, it is an important part of doing business properly. You should have your septic permit available. If your tank, system, leach field is capacity for 4 people, it is obvious that 10 guests is stretching it. As hosts in business, we have responsibilities for the health, safety, the lives of our guests. You will rest easily knowing that your septic system is adequate and appropriate. We had inspections from every agency - fire, roads, parking, roof, neighbors for noise and roads being adequate and maintained for business traffic. All good! 

Kitty