Property Ownership

An Iowa property has both a surface owner and a separate mineral rights owner. If an oil company wants to drill, they must obtain permission from:

AOnly the surface owner
BOnly the mineral rights owner✓ Correct
CBoth the surface and mineral rights owners
DThe Iowa Department of Natural Resources only

Explanation

When mineral rights are severed from surface rights, the mineral rights owner controls subsurface development. However, the mineral rights owner typically also needs surface access, which may require negotiation with the surface owner.

People Also Study

Study This Topic

Practice More Iowa Real Estate Questions

1,500+ questions covering all exam topics. Start free — no signup required.

Take the Free Iowa Quiz →