What can be done about a shared easement?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

What can be done about a shared easement?

We bought our house last year. The well (on our property) is shared with the house next door. We found out 2 months after closing that the pressure tank, water softener and UV purifier, all of which are in our basement, also are shared. Had this been disclosed we would not have gone through with closing until the other house had its own system or we were guaranteed payment for space, electric, salt, etc. We have tried talking to the other homeowner to no avail. He also hasn’t paid the way too low $5 for well usage as stated in the easement. What do we do?

Asked on March 1, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Virginia

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

The length of time it took you to find out the information is troubling, as is the fact that you did not find out prior to closing.  Generally speaking people do a little investigation, so to speak, on their own when they buy a house.  They have title searches done, they do inspections, etc.  If you did all of this and the information did not come up - and maybe it would not have on these reports - and no one disclosed the information to you prior to the sale, you could have an action for misrepresentation or fraud against the old owner, maybe the real estate broker and maybe the attorney who handled their sale.  Speak with your attorney here and look at your contract.  And read the easement language carefully.  Good luck.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption