Posted this on several of the Texags boards, but East Texas might be the most appropriate...

OK, I am researching this online, but I know there are some smart oil Ags out there that can provide this info much quicker than this tech-challenged Aggie.

Just bought a house in Bossier City(Shreveport), Louisiana and at closing the previous owner mentioned that the 10 year something was coming up due in July that required the original owner of the land(the builder) to either start production of the land(natural gas) or pass the rights to the current owners of the land(house). He then mumbled something about immediately going and buying the paperwork to claim these rights in July.

I have no idea what he is talking about or where to look this kind of info up. Pls provide some sites to at least narrow this sublect down to a couple hours of research.

Thanks.

Without looking at the paperwork looks like a lease expiration. The oil company that leased the subsurface rights from the original owner expires and the oil company has to re-lease or let it expire at which the owner can renegotiate with another company.

Louisiana law only allows mineral rights to remain with the seller for 10 years after sale. If production does not occur within 10 years, then the mineral rights transfer to the current owner.

Not sure what paperwork has to be filed but I'm sure an attorney or someone at the Parish courthouse would know.