Property OwnershipIntermediateCalifornia Exam

A property owner grants an oil company the right to extract minerals from beneath their land. What type of right is this?

ASurface rights, as typically recorded in a California deed
BAir rights, consistent with common law property ownership principles
CSubsurface (mineral) rightsCorrect
DRiparian rights, per standard California real property conventions

Why Subsurface (mineral) rights Is Correct

Answer C: Subsurface (mineral) rights

Subsurface rights (also called mineral rights) give the holder the right to extract oil, gas, minerals, and other resources from beneath the surface of the land. These rights can be severed from surface ownership.

Exam Tip: Property Ownership

Property ownership questions test the bundle of rights and different forms of ownership. Know the differences between joint tenancy, tenancy in common, and community property, including the right of survivorship.

Key Property Ownership Terms in This Question

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