What should I know about easements on rural property?
Reviewed August 2026 by Shannon Miles Group
An easement gives someone else the right to use part of your property for a specific purpose like utility access, a shared driveway, or pipeline right-of-way. Easements are recorded with the county and transfer with the land.
Understanding easements.
Easements are common on rural properties. They do not necessarily mean you cannot use the land, but they do restrict how you can use it in certain areas. Understanding easements before you buy helps you avoid surprises later.
Common types of easements in Northeast Texas
Utility easements
Electric, water, and gas companies have the right to access their lines on your property. These typically run along road frontage or property lines. You cannot build structures or plant trees in utility easements.
Access easements
Common on landlocked parcels where a neighbor needs to cross your property to reach their own. Access easements are typically recorded and specify the location and width of the driveway or path.
Pipeline easements
Oil and gas pipeline companies may hold easements across rural properties in some parts of Northeast Texas. These can restrict building and excavation in the easement area.
Conservation easements
Less common but significant. A conservation easement permanently restricts how land can be used to preserve natural resources. If present, it affects future development options.
Easements in our area.
Utility easements along road frontage are common in rural Northeast Texas. Most properties have them. Shared driveway easements are common on landlocked parcels where multiple properties share access from the county road.
Pipeline easements exist in some areas, particularly where oil and gas activity is present. Always review the title commitment and any recorded easements before closing. Your title company and agent will help you understand what easements exist and how they affect the property.
Evaluating easements before you buy.
- Review the title commitment. Easements are recorded documents. Your title commitment will list all recorded easements on the property.
- Ask about unrecorded easements. Some access easements and driveways may not be formally recorded. Ask the seller and your agent about any informal arrangements.
- Consider how easements affect your plans. An easement through a building site or garden area could limit your options. Know where easements are located before you plan improvements.
- Get it in writing. If you need an access easement to reach your property, make sure it is properly recorded before closing.
More answers you might find useful.
Not sure about an easement on a property?
Call us or stop by the office at 2322 Lamar Ave. in Paris. We can help you understand easements and how they affect your property.