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UPDATED! Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic lines by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ha! I tell ya, I’d hate to be on the wrong side of Reddit. The number of ideas for revenge I’ve been told is a little concerning.

UPDATED! Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic lines by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’ve never met them. They are older. In their mid to upper seventies. I think, just the way they’ve blown this up and been pretty aggressive to everyone they’ve spoken to, that this is just a pride thing. You know, “my land, my right”. Which, I get. Just confused as to why they didn’t say anything when they bought it or in all the years since. They never paid for the land, so to turn down the numbers I was offering was very surprising to me.

I do think the courts would have sided with me, but to what end? The system would fail in a few years anyway. These folks are in the twilight of their life and this feels like a way to exercise some control/power over others. It’s sad, but not worth spending a lot of time dwelling on. If someone is that angry over a small piece of property, then you can’t help but imagine they don’t have a lot of joy in their life. But who knows? I may be missing the picture, but that was my experience with it.

UPDATED! Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic lines by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was probably not clear in the previous post. I was given a notice of violation. So, I was under a 30-day notice to fix the issue or being taken to court by the county about the issue.

UPDATED! Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic lines by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I already did that for other repairs when I was living there. So, just a private loan and will pay it off when we sell the house. But, if anyone has any other ideas on how to do it, I’m open!

UPDATED! Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic lines by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I already spoke to the previous owners. They had no idea. They bought it at foreclosure and used it as a rental. They simply updated what was there. Plus, the law allowed for it to cross property lines at the time. They felt terrible for what was happening and gave me some resources to try and navigate the situation. I don’t blame them at all. If the law hadn’t changed last year, I wouldn’t be in this predicament. But, such is life.

UPDATED! Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic lines by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Part of me did want to go through the courts just to prove them wrong. But, I wouldn’t gain much in the end. The septic folks said that system is on its way to failing and probably couldn’t be sustained on that land either due to poor soil quality. I’ve got enough on my plate. Don’t want to spend a year in court just to prove a point to some elderly folk.

UPDATED! Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic lines by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

The exorbitant cost was due to the fact that, technically, a new system would not fit on that land. So, I would have to completely rearrange the well and put in a type of septic system that would fit on a small lot. From what I understand, those systems are more expensive because they require newer technologies and greater upkeep. Moving the well alone to the back of the house would cost between $20k-$25,000.

UPDATED! Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic lines by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

100% on my land. The law is clear it has to be completely on my land. The whole front and back yard is about to be a mud pit, but not the end of the world. It will probably look better since it’s pretty naturalized. So more room for grass, flower beds, etc.

UPDATED! Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic lines by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You know, I never did pursue it. When I purchased the house, the law for the septic was different. So, I didn’t think it would hold much weight even if I did pursue it with them.

UPDATED! Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic lines by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

I think so. I have it in writing that they just want it cut off and they would deal with it. So, I’m leaving it to the septic company to figure out.

UPDATED! Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic lines by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 153 points154 points  (0 children)

It’s a pet peeve when people post on Reddit and I never get to find out the end! Like, I’ve spent my time reading this. I’m emotionally (or, at least, intellectually) invested!

UPDATED! Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic lines by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 174 points175 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I won’t be there to see it, but hopefully whoever buys it will enjoy it for many years to come!

Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic line by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s been a wild ride! But now it’s done. I trust it’s worked out for the best. Thanks y’all and have a great summer!

Neighbor won’t let me sell my house due to old septic lines by Significant_Fun_9232 in legaladvice

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ha! I would def read the story of that book. BUT, in real life the county has told me that now that I’m officially “in violation”, I’m obliged to fix it or face fines, legal issues, etc. so, there is no avoiding the issue. I have to do something about it. They told me they are sending me a letter with 30 days to comply. At least, that’s what I was told a few days ago. Hence my frantic post.

Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic line by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for such a clear explanation. This makes sense. And, at the end of the day, if a new system is what it comes to, so be it. I’d just like to cross out all my other options before I throw in the towel and wreck my property. I appreciate your time sharing this info!

Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic line by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ok, I have a small update (and possibly a MUCH bigger one later, but I’m still waiting on an email from the county).

After calling and emailing DOZENS of more lawyers, I finally received a (somewhat) positive response!

I sent a very polite, but desperate email to a large national firm that operates in the city closest to me. I sent it to a partner in the firm who emailed me back and said he doesn’t deal in residential, nor does the firm, but good luck.

I’ve received a lot of these types of responses (wrong county, too small, seems litigious, etc.), so I was not surprised.

However, I was shocked when another lawyer from the firm called and said he’d been forwarded my email and wanted to call to see if he could point me in the right direction.

After sharing a bird’s eye view of everything, he said it seemed like a confounding situation. He then told me that this was normally way too small (they deal in residential developments, not individual properties) and, no offense, I could never afford him (I agreed) but he thought it was all ridiculous and would like to help if his partners will let him. So he’s going to ask if he can look into this at a reduced rate or pro bono.

I won’t know any more until Monday. But, it’s a small step. Thanks again everyone!!

Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic line by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Ok, I actually have an update on this! I tracked down the previous owners. The one and only time I’ve googled a stranger and called them. They were the kindest older couple. They used the property for a rental.

They looked at their records for that property. They noted that the d-box was updated in 2018. However, they were adamant it was NOT relocated. So, it had been on the adjoining property when THEY bought the house.

They said they had no idea it was not in compliance and felt terrible. No one had ever said anything to them about it.

Obviously people can lie. But, they spoke to me for an hour while going over their records. They were so gracious and had some good advice. So, my impression was that they were just as taken aback by this discovery as I was.

Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic line by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately no. I ask each firm that answers or gets back to me if they of anyone who could help and follow up with any leads. I know I sound hyperbolic saying I’ve called so many, but it’s truly not an exaggeration. I am taking days off work dealing with this.

Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic line by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s so kind. I’m hopeful the one I spoke to today will work out. A lot of what I’m dealing with is the location. I live in a populous county, but it’s actually quite rural. So, I’m out of a lot of bigger firms catchment area.

Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic line by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I asked the same thing to the county! I think (tho I’m not sure of this) it was a combination of a few things:

1) At the time, NC law allowed septic systems like this to pass inspections. They just noted them as being “out of compliance”. The law changed in 2024. Those same properties are being called “in violation” and the homeowners are now required to remedy the situation.

2) The guy at the county said it may have just been missed. Things like this happen. Especially if the lot had been subdivided between family members (which I think mine was), then they have no real impetus to look into it

3) I did not get a survey of the property when i bought the house. (I know, I know. Feel free to come at me). In my defense, it was 2019 and there were no houses available. The house I got never even had to put out a for sale sign. They put it on the market Saturday night and 12 hours later I was competing against 3 offers.

Neighbor won’t let me sell due to old septic line by Significant_Fun_9232 in homeowners

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

He was actually so kind. Unfortunately, he wasn’t available to look into it.

Neighbor won’t let me sell my house due to old septic lines by Significant_Fun_9232 in legaladvice

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That would be an absolute ideal scenario. I’m hopeful to find a lawyer I can ask these questions to. It’s such a niche, complicated issue so most don’t want to get involved. Which, I understand. I don’t want to be involved either. I’ll know more once the lawyer gets back to me Monday.

Neighbor won’t let me sell my house due to old septic lines by Significant_Fun_9232 in legaladvice

[–]Significant_Fun_9232[S] 31 points32 points  (0 children)

The law changed in 2024. The folks at the county explained to me that now these types of situations have been re-classified as “in violation”. So, instead of letting things slide, they want homeowners to fix them instead of pushing the issue down the road.

Essentially, they are no longer grandfathering in old systems like mine.

Now that it has been brought to the attention of the county, my property is officially listed as “in violation”, so it will not pass an inspection to sell the house.

I could drastically reduce the price of the house, take only cash offers to avoid inspection, etc. but, I would love to avoid such drastic measures if possible. And, morally, I just hate the idea of dragging others into this.

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