A Tennessee Surface Tenant's Subordination to An Oil and Gas Lease refers to an agreement between a surface tenant and an owner or operator of an oil and gas lease, where the tenant agrees to subordinate their rights to those of the oil and gas leaseholder. This agreement ensures that the oil and gas leaseholder has priority over the rights of the surface tenant when it comes to accessing and developing the mineral resources present on the property. In Tennessee, there are various types of subordination agreements that a surface tenant can enter into, depending on the specific circumstances and requirements. Three common types include: 1. Voluntary Subordination Agreement: This type of agreement is willingly entered into by the surface tenant, usually in exchange for compensation or other benefits provided by the oil and gas leaseholder. The agreement outlines the terms and conditions regarding the subordination of the surface tenant's rights to the oil and gas lease, ensuring that the leaseholder has priority access to the minerals. 2. Statutory Subordination: In some cases, Tennessee law may require surface tenants to subordinate their rights to an oil and gas lease as a matter of public policy. This can occur when the oil and gas lease predates the surface tenancy or if the leaseholder's operations are deemed essential for the development and extraction of the state's natural resources. 3. Non-Compete Agreement: A non-compete agreement is a specific type of subordination agreement where the surface tenant agrees not to engage in any activities that may interfere with the operations of the oil and gas leaseholder. This agreement is commonly used to prevent conflicts arising from potential competing activities on the property. In a Tennessee Surface Tenant's Subordination to An Oil and Gas Lease, the key responsibilities and rights of both parties are outlined in the agreement. The tenant typically acknowledges the superior rights of the leaseholder, agrees to provide access to the property, and grants permission for necessary activities such as drilling, exploration, and production. The leaseholder, on the other hand, agrees to compensate the tenant for any damages caused by their operations and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Overall, a Tennessee Surface Tenant's Subordination to An Oil and Gas Lease is a legal mechanism that ensures smooth collaboration between surface tenants and oil and gas leaseholders, allowing for the efficient exploration and extraction of valuable energy resources while protecting the rights and interests of all parties involved.