A recordable contract is a written agreement between a landowner and the Secretary of the Interior. This contract allows for the sale or transfer of land that exceeds the ownership limits set by federal reclamation law. The contract must be capable of being recorded according to state law, which means it can be officially documented and made part of the public record.
Recordable contracts are primarily used in the context of federal land management and reclamation. They are relevant in areas such as property law and land use regulation. Individuals or entities involved in land transactions that exceed federal ownership limits may encounter this type of contract. Users can often manage these transactions with the help of legal forms and templates available through services like US Legal Forms, which provide resources drafted by qualified attorneys.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A farmer owns multiple parcels of land that exceed the federal ownership limit for reclamation projects. They enter into a recordable contract to sell a portion of this land to comply with federal regulations.
Example 2: A developer wishes to acquire additional land for a new project that surpasses the federal ownership threshold. They negotiate a recordable contract with the Secretary to facilitate the transfer. (hypothetical example)
One of the primary statutes governing recordable contracts is 43 USCS § 390bb, which outlines the definition and requirements for such agreements under federal reclamation law.
| State | Notes |
|---|---|
| California | Has specific regulations regarding land transfers and reclamation. |
| Texas | May have different ownership limits and requirements for recording contracts. |
| Florida | State laws may impose additional requirements for land transactions. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Lease Agreement | A contract allowing one party to use another's property for a specified time in exchange for payment. | A lease does not involve ownership transfer, while a recordable contract does. |
| Deed | A legal document that transfers ownership of real property. | A deed finalizes ownership transfer, whereas a recordable contract may outline terms before transfer. |
If you are a landowner considering a recordable contract, it is advisable to:
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Its purpose is to facilitate the sale or transfer of land that exceeds federal ownership limits.