New Jersey Surface Tenant's Subordination to An Oil and Gas Lease: Explained In the state of New Jersey, a surface tenant may encounter a situation where their rights are subordinated to an oil and gas lease. This legal arrangement allows the mineral rights' owner (often known as the lessor or lessee in an oil and gas lease) to explore and extract natural resources, such as oil and gas, from beneath the surface tenant's land. This article will provide a comprehensive description of what such a subordination entails and the different types that exist. A surface tenant's subordination to an oil and gas lease means that the rights of the mineral rights' owner take precedence over the rights of the surface tenant. While the surface tenant might have previously possessed unrestricted use and enjoyment of the property, their rights can become limited to accommodate the activities necessary for oil and gas exploration. This subordination typically occurs through a legal agreement, often referred to as a subordination agreement, between the surface tenant and the mineral rights' owner. The primary purpose of subordination is to allow the mineral rights' owner to access and develop the resources beneath the land without hindrance from the surface tenant's activities. This subordination grants the lessee the legal authority to perform activities like drilling, extraction, and related infrastructure installation, even if they inconvenience or disrupt the surface tenant's use of the property. While the surface tenant's rights are curtailed during the term of the oil and gas lease, their property remains subject to the agreement's limitations. In New Jersey, there can be variations in the types of surface tenant's subordination to an oil and gas lease, based on the specific terms and conditions of the agreement. Some potential types of subordination include: 1. Temporary Subordination: This type of subordination occurs for a specific duration, such as a fixed number of years, where the surface tenant's rights are temporarily subordinated to the oil and gas lease. Once the term expires, the rights revert to the surface tenant. 2. Permanent Subordination: In this scenario, the subordination is permanent, meaning the mineral rights' owner retains priority rights over the surface tenant indefinitely. The surface tenant's rights remain subject to the oil and gas lease for an extended or unlimited period. 3. Minimal Surface Disturbance: This type of subordination specifically addresses minimizing the impact on the surface tenant's use and enjoyment of the property. It typically includes provisions about land restoration after drilling activities, compensation for damages, and guidelines to limit disturbances caused by infrastructure development. 4. Whole Parcel Subordination: In certain cases, a surface tenant agrees to subordinate all their rights over the entire property to the oil and gas lease. This includes not only the surface but also the subsurface and any associated water rights. It is crucial for both the surface tenant and the mineral rights' owner to clearly understand the terms and implications of the subordination agreement. Consulting with legal professionals specializing in oil and gas leases can provide guidance and ensure that the rights and interests of all parties involved are adequately protected throughout the tenure of the agreement.