--- title: "EBMUD Time Extension Certificate: $4,500 Deposit & 180 Days" description: "Can't finish the sewer lateral before closing? How EBMUD's Time Extension Certificate works: $142 fee, $4,500 refundable deposit, 180 days, and refunds." canonical: https://eastbaysewerinspection.com/time-extension-certificate/ --- # EBMUD Time Extension Certificate: closing before the sewer lateral is fixed > Last updated 2026-11-03. Checked against the official sources listed at the end of this page. Reviewed by East Bay Sewer Inspection staff **Quick answer:** If the lateral can't pass the EBMUD test before escrow closes, either party can apply for a Time Extension Certificate ($142). It is only valid if it is mailed to EBMUD at title transfer with a $4,500 refundable deposit. The new owner then has 180 days from the certificate's issue date to get a Compliance Certificate. The deposit is refunded once that's done and fees are paid, typically 4 to 6 weeks after the Compliance Certificate is issued. ## How do I get a Time Extension Certificate? EBMUD lists four steps ([Time Extension Certificate](https://www.eastbaypsl.com/extension.html)): 1. **Apply and pay.** Select the property on EBMUD's site, request a Time Extension Certificate and pay the fee. The fee is $142 as of July 1, 2026 ([PSL fees](https://www.eastbaypsl.com/fees.html)). Either party in the sale, or their representatives, can apply. 2. **Complete and sign it before title transfer.** The certificate must name who gets the refund and give a mailing address for that person. 3. **Mail it with the deposit at title transfer.** Send the completed certificate and a $4,500 check payable to **EBMUD-PSL**, with the parcel number on the check, to EBMUD-PSL Remittance Center, PO Box 24055, Oakland, CA 94623. 4. **Get the Compliance Certificate within 180 days.** EBMUD mails the refund to the named party once compliance is met. ## Who is responsible after closing? During the 180 days, the responsible party, as negotiated between buyer and seller, must fix the lateral if needed and pass the EBMUD-witnessed verification test. EBMUD notes that once title transfers, **the new owner is solely responsible** for getting the Compliance Certificate. If the work isn't done in time, the $4,500 may be forfeited and the new owner is subject to EBMUD enforcement ([Time Extension Certificate](https://www.eastbaypsl.com/extension.html)). ## When do I get the $4,500 back? EBMUD watches for the Compliance Certificate and processes the refund itself. The refund is typically received **4 to 6 weeks** after the Compliance Certificate is issued. It is not released until any outstanding inspection fees are paid. Missing or wrong refund-recipient details delay it. If the deposit is sent without the signed certificate, EBMUD won't have the recipient's name and address, so the refund is delayed ([Time Extension Certificate](https://www.eastbaypsl.com/extension.html); [FAQ](https://www.eastbaypsl.com/faq.html)). ## Do I need the deposit if I'm replacing the lateral right after closing? Yes. EBMUD's FAQ says that once the sale closes without a Compliance Certificate or a Time Extension Certificate and deposit, the property is out of compliance and subject to enforcement, even if you plan to replace the lateral the next day ([FAQ](https://www.eastbaypsl.com/faq.html)). ## Buying a bank-owned (REO) home or a short sale A transfer *to* a lender through foreclosure is exempt. When the lender sells the home, the rule applies again. Buyer or seller, as negotiated, must get a Compliance Certificate, or use a Time Extension Certificate with the $4,500 deposit ([FAQ](https://www.eastbaypsl.com/faq.html)). ## El Cerrito streets under a paving moratorium The rule still applies on streets covered by El Cerrito's paving moratorium. EBMUD says these properties can use a Time Extension Certificate after a recent title transfer. If that isn't enough time and excavation is unavoidable, special street restoration requirements apply. Contact the Stege Sanitary District at (510) 524-4668 ([FAQ](https://www.eastbaypsl.com/faq.html)). ## How Berkeley's extension is different Berkeley isn't in the EBMUD program. The city may grant a **six-month extension** in some cases. One option is a $4,500 deposit with the city's extension forms. The other is a signed contract with a licensed plumbing contractor to do the testing or repair within six months of closing, plus a signed Agreement for Time Extension. If the work isn't done in six months, the deposit is forfeited, the city does the work, and costs above the deposit are billed to the owner or become a lien ([City of Berkeley PSL](https://berkeleyca.gov/city-services/streets-sidewalks-sewers-and-utilities/private-sewer-lateral); [BMC 17.24.080](https://berkeley.municipal.codes/BMC/17.24.080)). ## Frequently asked questions **How long does an EBMUD Time Extension Certificate last?** 180 days from the certificate issue date. A full Compliance Certificate must be obtained within that time. **How much is the EBMUD time extension deposit?** $4,500, refundable, paid by check to EBMUD-PSL at title transfer, plus the $142 Time Extension Certificate fee (fees effective July 1, 2026). **How long does the $4,500 refund take?** Typically 4 to 6 weeks after the Compliance Certificate is issued, provided all inspection fees are paid and the refund recipient's details are complete. ## Sources * [Time Extension Certificate](https://www.eastbaypsl.com/extension.html) * [PSL Program Fees (effective July 1, 2026)](https://www.eastbaypsl.com/fees.html) * [Regional PSL Program FAQ](https://www.eastbaypsl.com/faq.html) * [Buying or Selling a Property](https://www.eastbaypsl.com/selling.html) * [City of Berkeley: Private Sewer Lateral](https://berkeleyca.gov/city-services/streets-sidewalks-sewers-and-utilities/private-sewer-lateral) * [Berkeley Municipal Code 17.24.080](https://berkeley.municipal.codes/BMC/17.24.080)