Property Ownership

In South Carolina, 'riparian rights' refer to:

AThe right to build a dock on navigable waters

BRights of landowners whose property borders a stream or river to use the adjacent water✓ Correct

CThe state's ownership of all tidal waters

DRights to underground water only

Explanation

Riparian rights (from Latin 'ripa' = riverbank) are rights of landowners whose property borders a non-tidal stream or river. In South Carolina, riparian owners have rights to reasonable use of the water, but cannot unreasonably diminish flow to downstream owners.

People Also Study

Key Terms to Know

Fee Simple

The highest and most complete form of property ownership — absolute ownership with the right to use, sell, or pass the property to heirs.

Joint Tenancy

Co-ownership where two or more people hold equal, undivided interests with the right of survivorship — when one owner dies, their share passes to the surviving owners.

Deed

A written legal instrument used to transfer ownership of real property from one party (grantor) to another (grantee).

Easement

A non-possessory right to use another person's land for a specific purpose.