Transactions related to agricultural land, recreational land, acreages, and municipal lots in smaller centres may present interesting legal questions. This paper discusses some of the peculiarities of rural real estate law and focuses on the practical side of encumbrances and land issues that may be unusual. Among the various encumbrances and issues discussed are surface leases, gross royalty trust agreements, water well agreements, farm leases, title insurance, and foreign ownership of land, among others.

Appended to this paper are two legal form precedents: an assignment and transfer of compensation for surface lease agreements and a water well agreement. Also included is a report from the Committee on the Issues of Air Conditioning Units and Window Wells on Real Property Reports for Real Properties in the City of Calgary.

This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s 49th Annual Refresher: Real Estate program from April 24 – 26, 2016.