Rhode Island Surface Tenant's Subordination to An Oil and Gas Lease refers to the legal agreement between a surface tenant and an oil and gas leaseholder in Rhode Island. This agreement outlines the rights and obligations of the surface tenant in relation to the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and gas on the leased property. It is important for the surface tenant to understand the implications of subordination to an oil and gas lease, as it may have significant impacts on their rights and use of the property. In Rhode Island, there are two main types of subordination agreements that surface tenants may encounter when leasing their property for oil and gas: 1. Voluntary Subordination: This type of subordination occurs when the surface tenant willingly agrees to subordinate their rights to the oil and gas lease. By doing so, they recognize the priority of the leaseholder's rights over their own. This voluntary subordination generally happens during negotiations or when the lease agreement is signed. 2. Non-Voluntary Subordination: In some cases, a surface tenant may be compelled to subordinate their rights to an oil and gas lease even if they initially objected. Non-voluntary subordination can occur when a leaseholder demonstrates that the extraction of oil and gas is necessary for the public interest or when the surface tenant's rights are deemed less important compared to the economic benefits derived from the lease. When a surface tenant subordinates their rights to an oil and gas lease, they typically agree to the following: 1. Access and Entry: The leaseholder is granted access to the property for exploration, drilling, and other related activities. The surface tenant may need to allow infrastructure construction, such as pipelines or access roads, on their land. 2. Compensation: The surface tenant may receive financial compensation or royalties for granting the rights to the leaseholder. The terms and conditions of the compensation are usually outlined in the lease agreement. 3. Land Restoration: The leaseholder is responsible for restoring the leased land to its original condition once the oil and gas operations are completed. This includes remediation of any environmental damage caused during the extraction process. 4. Liability and Indemnity: The surface tenant may be required to indemnify the leaseholder against any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the oil and gas operations on the property. This provision helps protect the leaseholder from potential legal actions. 5. Use Restrictions: The surface tenant may be subject to certain restrictions on land use during the lease period. For example, they may not be able to build permanent structures, undertake certain activities, or make modifications that would interfere with the oil and gas extraction operation. In summary, Rhode Island Surface Tenant's Subordination to An Oil and Gas Lease involves the surface tenant granting rights and access to the leaseholder for oil and gas exploration and production on their property. The specific terms and conditions of the subordination agreement may vary based on whether it is voluntary or non-voluntary. It is crucial for surface tenants to carefully review and understand the terms of the lease agreement and seek legal advice before entering into any subordination agreement.