I bought some land in Texas, January 2010. I bought it Fee Simple. Then I find out the person I bought it from Signed an Oil and Gas Lease in December 2009, it was put of record after the deed was executed for my purchase of the property, but before my deed was of record. I'm questioning what I can do? Do I own the minerals? or are they the previous owner's until the primary runs out? What about drilling? Will I get paid royalty if they drill?

Tags: mineral, rights

Views: 115

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

In a "race state" the only thing that matters is the date an instrument is recorded. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT THE DATE IS ON THE INSTRUMENT.

The public record would show this:

Leases recorded => Deed Recorded, thus the deed is subject to the lease.

I do not have any knowledge of disclosure laws in TX, but I feel you may have some recourse against the former owner. However, I would be suprised if any judge would invalidate the lease.
How many acres of land?
Texas is a notice state. Texas statute is designed to protect bona fide or inocent purchaser for value from third party claims were they do not have actual or constructive notice.
In the circumstance given above, I’d say you, as the buyer, are a bona fide purchaser for value and you have indicated that you did not have notice. Therefore, I’d say you are protected from third party (O&G Co.) claims. You do have a duty of inquiry but I would think the title opinion would suffice but I don’t know.
In short, I'd say the O&G company needs another lease or at least a ratification.

RSS

Support GoHaynesvilleShale.com

Blog Posts

Tuscaloosa Trend Sits On Top Of Poorest Neighbourhood For Decades - Yet No Royalties Ever Paid To The Community -- Why??

In researching the decades-old Tuscaloosa Trend and the immense wealth it has generated for many, I find it deeply troubling that this resource-rich formation runs directly beneath one of the poorest communities in North Baton Rouge—near Southern University, Louisiana—yet neither the university ( that I am aware of)  nor local residents appear to have received any compensation for the minerals extracted from their land.

This area has suffered immense environmental degradation…

Continue

Posted by Char on May 29, 2025 at 14:42

Not a member? Get our email.

Groups



© 2025   Created by Keith Mauck (Site Publisher).   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service