Texas Porch

Mineral Rights

Mineral Rights and Surface Rights Can Be Owned Separately

In Texas, the person who owns the surface of the land may not own the minerals below it — and those are two separate legal estates.

McLennan County Home & Property

Texas law allows mineral rights and surface rights to be split apart. If minerals have already been severed from the surface, buying the land does not give you the oil, gas, or other minerals underground. Always check the deed and a title search before buying rural property.

The mineral estate is legally dominant. If someone owns the minerals, they generally have the right to access your land to explore and drill, within limits. McLennan County does have oil and gas production. The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) regulates drilling and can be searched for well records. Understanding what you are buying is critical.

Source to confirm: Railroad Commission — Oil & Gas Exploration and Surface Ownership FAQ

More McLennan County notes

Property Tax

McLennan CAD Handles Your Property Appraisal

McLennan Central Appraisal District sets property values for all 44 taxing entities in the county, but a separate office collects the tax.

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Property Tax Exemption

File for a Homestead Exemption to Lower Your Tax Bill

Texas homeowners who live in their home can file for a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value of the property.

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Agricultural Appraisal

Ag Valuation Can Cut Taxes on Rural Land

Land used mainly for farming or ranching can be taxed on its agricultural value instead of its market value, which is usually much lower.

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Appraisal Protest

You Can Protest Your Property Appraisal

Property owners in McLennan County can formally challenge their appraised value each year if they believe it is too high.

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