Real Estate Agent · Houma, LA · Member since 2016 · 238 posts · 115 votes
8y
I don’t have knowledge of the specific area, but here is Southern Louisiana, almost all unincorporated areas below I-10 have to install sewerage treatment plants based on the maximum estimated per-person, per-day water usage. That determines the size of the unit. Residential units are fairly cheap here, $2k-$3k, but when you start getting into multi-family, it can be downright expensive.
When building a 20 unit RV Park, it cost over $40,000 to put in enough capacity to cover what we were required to have. So that is the equivalent of a 20 unit multi-family.
If you have the ability to tie in to municipal sewerage, go for it.
Also, as a new buyer, you may be required to upgrade to a STP even though it is currently utilizing a septic tank.
Real Estate Agent · Houma, LA · Member since 2016 · 238 posts · 115 votes
8y
I don’t have knowledge of the specific area, but here is Southern Louisiana, almost all unincorporated areas below I-10 have to install sewerage treatment plants based on the maximum estimated per-person, per-day water usage. That determines the size of the unit. Residential units are fairly cheap here, $2k-$3k, but when you start getting into multi-family, it can be downright expensive.
When building a 20 unit RV Park, it cost over $40,000 to put in enough capacity to cover what we were required to have. So that is the equivalent of a 20 unit multi-family.
If you have the ability to tie in to municipal sewerage, go for it.
Also, as a new buyer, you may be required to upgrade to a STP even though it is currently utilizing a septic tank.
Real Estate Broker · Naples, FL · Member since 2013 · 9k+ posts · 6k+ votes
8y
They are very common in these areas. You might want to see if the city has plans to bring in city water/sewer and find out what the assessment fees will be. I have rentals in Cape Coral, and we have city water/sewer coming into certain areas and the assessments will run approximately 25K per property. They do not give home owners any opt-out provisions.
Investor · Moseley, VA · Member since 2015 · 145 posts · 60 votes
8y
Paoola Sefair I had a septic tank in my last primary.
Here are some key points:
Utility Bill is about 1/3 the cost because, at least here in Manatee county, sewage is the bulk of the bill.
The tank needs to be pumped, depending on usage (number of bathrooms), about every 4-5 years, cost is about $200-250. factor that into your expenses because renters won’t do that.
Root intrusion can be an issue if you have some old Oaks near the drain field.
Impact to city is an option but for a rental, depending on your cash flow of course, probably will take you many many years to recoup.
If a potential property has one, definitely have it inspected, checking for damage and cracks in the tank. If in good shape they last for many years.
As long as the tenant don’t wash down their grease everyday ( no guarantees) and you pump and inspect every 4/5 years my opinion is I like them. Plus the grass is always green!!!
Investor · Tampa, FL · Member since 2016 · 40 posts · 7 votes
8y
Thank you all so much for your insights!
@Kurt Traynor what did you mean with "Impact to city is an option but for a rental, depending on your cash flow of course, probably will take you many many years to recoup." Does this relate to the comment John mentioned about city assessments?