quitclaim assignment of lease

What Is a Quitclaim Assignment?

Quitclaim deeds offer minimal protection for the buyer.

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•   1. Certificate of Title Vs. Deed
•   2. What Is the Difference Between the Deed of Absolute Sale and the Deed of Assignment?
•   3. What Are Instruments of Conveyance & Transfer?

Assignment of a deed is the act of transferring that deed to another party and thereby transferring ownership. A quitclaim deed is a type of deed used to transfer real estate. In contrast to other deed types, the quitclaim doesn't offer any sort of protection for the buyer if someone else shows up with a claim on the property.

What Deeds Do

The purpose of a deed is to provide tangible proof of the transfer of real property. The deed generally contains important information about the transfer, such as the date and parties to the transaction. The deed, or an attached real estate transfer contract referenced in the deed, also contains any transfer-related promises that the seller and buyer have made to each other. To transfer the property, the deed must be signed by both seller and buyer.

Assignment of Deed

Assignment is the actual transfer of the property. For a deed to assign property, it must be delivered from the seller to the buyer. The deed doesn't need to be physically delivered; rather, delivery is a legal term for the seller's clear decision to transfer the property. Physical delivery is generally good enough, but a deed can be delivered in other ways: mailed, messengered, or placed in a safe-deposit box to be opened by the buyer. If the seller keeps the deed and there's no evidence that he intended to give it to the buyer, the law won't recognize delivery, and the transfer won't take place.

Deed Warranties

Most types of real estate deeds offer certain assurances to the buyer. General warranty deeds, for example, provide six warranties, or promises, designed to protect the buyer if a third party shows up with a better claim to the property than the seller. Among other promises, the seller warrants that he owns the property and that if such a third party shows up to stake a claim on the property, the seller will do whatever is necessary to defeat his claim, or make the buyer whole.

Quitclaim Deeds

The quitclaim deed offers none of the warranties listed above. A quitclaim deed transfers all of the seller's rights to the property, but the quitclaim buyer has no guarantees that the seller has the right to transfer the property to her. If a third party appears and claims the property, the quitclaim buyer will be left to her own resources in defending against that claim. If the third party's claim proves to be superior to that of the seller, the buyer has no legal redress against the seller based on the deed. Note, however, that if the seller and buyer executed a contract separate from the deed, in which the seller made promises about his title to the property, this contract may be a basis for the buyer to sue the seller.

• U.S. Legal: Real Estate Deeds Law and Legal Definition
• MCLE.org: Delivery of Deeds
• 'Lectric Law Library: Quit Claim Deed Form

Erika Johansen is a lifelong writer with a Master of Fine Arts from the Iowa Writers' Workshop and editorial experience in scholastic publication. She has written articles for various websites.

Related Articles

Certificate of title vs. deed, what is the difference between the deed of absolute sale and the deed of assignment, what are instruments of conveyance & transfer, what does "encumbrances" mean in real estate, what is encroachment on property, what is a post-sale quitclaim deed, what happens if you lose a quitclaim deed, tax on quitclaim of principal residence, can a beneficiary challenge a revocable trust, effects of a quitclaim deed on cost basis, what is a leasehold estate, how to sell an easement.

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Navigating the assignment of a residential lease

A landlord can assign his leases to a new buyer of his building. Likewise, a tenant may be able to assign his lease if he needs to relocate. Find out how to assign your lease and what you can do to protect yourself when doing so.

by   Ronna L. DeLoe, Esq.

Ronna L. DeLoe is a freelance writer and a published author who has written hundreds of legal articles. She does...

Read more...

Updated on: December 4, 2023 · 3min read

Assignment of lease by the tenant

Assignment of lease vs. sublease, assignment of lease by the landlord.

As a tenant, you may want to get out of your residential lease without paying the remaining rent. Likewise, if you're a landlord and sell your rental property, the buyer must now collect rent from the tenants, who may have no idea you sold the property. In both situations, assignment of a lease with a release for the tenant and assignment of leases with notice by the landlord accomplish these goals.

If you're the tenant and want to leave before the end of your lease term, you may be able to assign your lease to a third party if the landlord doesn't let you out of the lease. The third party then becomes the new tenant, who is bound by the terms of the original lease and pays rent to the landlord.

Most often, the lease won't permit assignment without the landlord's approval, but leases often state that the landlord cannot unreasonably withhold consent. As long as you produce a tenant who's shown a history of payment under prior leases and has been a model tenant, a landlord should consent to assignment.

The assignment of lease form should include places for the tenant-assignor, the new tenant-assignee, and the landlord to sign. If the master lease allows assignment, then the tenant doesn't need the landlord's permission; the tenant can sign an assignment of lease agreement without the landlord's signature.

If the landlord allows an assignment of the lease, you, as the tenant, also want him to sign a release stating that you're not responsible for the new tenant's failure to pay or for any damage she causes. Without such a release, you may still be liable for both.

When you, as the tenant, assign the lease, you sign an agreement that either reads “Assignment of Lease," “Lease Assumption Agreement," or “Assignment and Assumption Agreement." An assumption of the lease means that the new tenant assumes your obligations, such as paying rent and keeping the apartment in good condition.

An assignment of a lease transfers the tenant's entire rights in the property to a third party. With a sublease, on the other hand, the tenant transfers only a portion of the remaining lease. For example, if the original tenant has six months remaining on his lease and he gives the entire six months to a third party, the tenant is permanently assigning his rights to live on the property to the third party. If, however, the tenant allows that third party to stay at the premises for only three months, and the tenant intends to return after three months, he is subleasing the premises.

A landlord can assign the right to collect rent to someone who has purchased the property. An assignment of lease from the seller to the buyer allows the new landlord to collect rent from any and all current tenants in the building. The language in the landlord's assignment of lease agreement can include assignment of security deposits, if the parties agree to it. An assignment of leases by the landlord to the buyer affords protection to the buyer so he can collect rent.

An assignment of leases by the landlord to the buyer is meaningless if tenants aren't aware the landlord sold the property, which is why it's important for the assignor-landlord to give tenants proper notice. A notice of assignment of lease, which is a form signed by both the assignor-landlord and the assignee, or new landlord, is one way to give notice. Another way is to send a letter on the landlord's letterhead. Either way, the notice must include the new landlord's address and how rent is to be paid.

Both landlords and tenants who become assignors should sign a formal assignment of lease agreement, which an online service provider can prepare for you. If you're the tenant who has assigned your lease, try to get a release or you'll still be liable to the landlord. If you're the landlord, make sure you can count on the new tenant to pay the rent before you release the primary tenant from his obligations under the lease.

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Lease Assignment Agreement

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A Lease Assignment Agreement is a short document that allows for the transfer of interest in a residential or commercial lease from one tenant to another. In other words, a Lease Assignment Agreement is used when the original tenant wants to get out of a lease and has someone lined up to take their place.

Within a Lease Assignment Agreement, there is not that much information included, except the basics: names and identifying information of the parties, assignment start date, name of landlord, etc. The reason these documents are not more robust is because the original lease is incorporated by reference , all the time. What this means is that all of the terms in the original lease are deemed to be included in the Lease Assignment Agreement.

A Lease Assignment Agreement is different than a Sublease Agreement because the entirety of the lease interest is being transferred in an assignment. With a sublease, the original tenant is still liable for everything, and the sublease may be made for less than the entire property interest. A Lease Assignment transfers the whole interest and puts the new tenant in place of the old one.

The one major thing to be aware of with a Lease Assignment Agreement is that in most situations, the lease will require a landlord's explicit consent for an assignment. The parties should, therefore, be sure the landlord agrees to an assignment before filling out this document.

How to use this document

This Lease Assignment Agreement will help set forth all the required facts and obligations for a valid lease assignment . This essentially means one party (called the Assignor ) will be transferring their rights and obligations as a tenant (including paying rent and living in the space) to another party (called the Assignee ).

In this document, basic information is listed , such as old and new tenant names, the landlord's name, the address of the property, the dates of the lease, and the date of the assignment.

Information about whether or not the Assignor will still be liable in case the Assignee doesn't fulfill the required obligations is also included.

Applicable law

Lease Agreements in the United States are generally subject to the laws of the individual state and therefore, so are Lease Assignment Agreements.

The Environmental Protection Agency governs the disclosure of lead-based paint warnings in all rentals in the States. If a lead-based paint disclosure has not been included in the lease, it must be included in the assignment. Distinct from that, however, required disclosures and lease terms will be based on the laws of the state, and sometimes county, where the property is located.

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A guide to help you: Tenants and Subtenants Obligations under a Sublease Agreement

Other names for the document:

Assignment Agreement for Commercial Lease, Assignment of Commercial Lease, Assignment of Lease, Assignment of Residential Lease, Assignment Agreement for Lease

Country: United States

Housing and Real Estate - Other downloadable templates of legal documents

• Security Deposit Return Letter
• Rent Payment Plan Letter
• Residential Lease Agreement
• Sublease Agreement
• Tenant Maintenance Request Letter
• Rent Receipt
• Late Rent Notice
• Notice of Intent to Vacate
• Roommate Agreement
• Quitclaim Deed
• Parking Space Lease Agreement
• Short-Term Lease Agreement
• Tenant Security Deposit Return Request
• Termination of Tenancy Letter
• Change of Rent Notice
• Complaint Letter to Landlord
• Lease Amendment Agreement
• Notice of Lease Violation
• Consent to Sublease
• Eviction Notice
• Other downloadable templates of legal documents

Texas Supreme Court Holds that Assignment Conveyed Entire Lease Interest, Not Merely A Wellbore Interest

Posted by: Jordan Mullins and Michael Szymanski in Case Law Update

Piranha Partners v. Neuhoff , No. 18-0581, 63 Tex. Sup. Ct. J. 474, 2020 Tex. LEXIS 136 (Tex. Feb. 21, 2020)

Where parties assign an interest in a lease with a single existing well, disputes can sometimes arise when the leasehold is further developed. Was the parties’ intent for the assignment to be limited to that single wellbore or did it also include production from later-drilled wells? The Texas Supreme Court reviewed a dispute as to whether an assignment of an overriding royalty interest conveyed an interest limited to an entire lease, a single well, or to the lands identified in the assignment.

In 1975, Neuhoff Oil & Gas (“Neuhoff”) purchased a two-thirds interest in the Puryear Lease, an existing lease covering all the minerals under a tract of land. Neuhoff later sold its two-thirds interest in the Puryear Lease but reserved a 3.75% overriding royalty interest on all production under the Puryear Lease. For twenty-four years, only one well was completed on the lands covered by the lease, the Puryear B #1-28. Then, in 1999, Neuhoff sold its overriding royalty interest at auction to Piranha Partners (“Piranha”). Neuhoff then went out of business, assigning its remaining assets to individual family members (the “Neuhoff Heirs”).

The operator under the Puryear Lease paid Piranha an overriding royalty on the Puryear B #1-28, but on additional wells it drilled on the lease, it paid an overriding royalty to the Nuehoff Heirs, believing Piranha had only been conveyed the overriding royalty interest in the specific well and not on all production under the Puryear Lease. The Piranha Assignment’s granting clause conveyed all of Neuhoff’s interest in properties described in an attached “Exhibit A” which described Neuhoff’s overriding royalty interest by reference to the Puryear #1-28, the land, and the Puryear Lease.

The Texas Supreme Court indicated Piranha erroneously relied upon numerous rules of construction that were not applicable. For instance, Piranha argued that the “greatest estate” canon applied since the assignment used the word “all.” The Court dismissed the canon’s applicability because the Assignment was unambiguous and the remainder of the sentence Piranha focused on included “all…right, title, and interest in and to the properties described in Exhibit ‘A’,” which, nevertheless, required analysis of Exhibit A.

Piranha also erroneously relied on construction rules regarding the clarity by which an instrument must describe a reservation or exception. The Court found those rules inapplicable because the issue was the scope of the grant to Piranha, not a reservation or exception. The Court also dismissed Piranha’s “construe against the grantor” argument, because the assignment was unambiguous.

The Neuhoff Heirs, on the other hand, primarily relied upon so-called “surrounding circumstances evidence,” including descriptions that appeared in the auction documentation and argued this information showed the interest offered was limited to the well. Arguing the flip side, Piranha contended those same documents did not describe the interest as “WBO,” an acronym sometimes used in auction materials to show an offered interest pertained to “wellbore only.” Piranha also pointed to the agreement Neuhoff signed with the auction house, indicating it was not selling a “fractionalized interest.” The Neuhoff Heirs, however, argued that the agreement applied to Neuhoff selling 100% of its interest in the Puryear B #1-28. The Court concluded the auction documents failed to support either side as the documents disclaimed the reliance placed on them by the parties, requiring that the parties instead look to the actual Assignment to Piranha.

The Court ultimately held that Piranha Assignment included all overriding royalty in the Puryear Lease, not just in the land or the wellbore. Rather than apply rules of construction or surrounding circumstances, the Court used a “holistic and harmonizing approach” in construing the language within the Assignment and its Exhibit A. Specifically, the Court focused on several provisions in the Assignment referencing the interest in the lease (as opposed to in a well or lands), and language describing the interest being conveyed as “all oil and gas leases…which shall include any… overriding royalty interests…held by [Neuhoff], as of the Effective Date,” to mean the Assignment to Piranha included all interest then owned by Neuhoff.

In addition, the Court noted the language “All presently existing contracts…to the extent they affect the Leases,” indicated “Neuhoff Oil conveyed its entire interest under the Puryear Lease,” further discrediting the assignment to Piranha was limited to the wellbore or land itself. Other provisions also referenced the lease, including a provision which indicated that the overriding royalty was payable out of oil produced under the lease and pursuant to the terms of the lease. The proportionate reduction clause also referenced the assignor’s interest in the lease.

As a result, the Court concluded that the Assignment to Piranha conveyed the overriding royalty interest as to all production under the Puryear Lease, not just in the Puryear #1-28.

Taken as a whole, the conclusion in this case is largely consistent with the body of case law emphasizing a holistic and harmonizing approach to deed interpretation. This case underscores the importance of ensuring that not only the body of an assignment, but also the exhibits, both carefully describe the intended scope of the conveyance. It also underscores that boilerplate “all right, title, and interest” language is not always merely expansive quitclaim language, but sometimes can have material meaning. It is important to evaluate the rights of either party in the event circumstances change in the future (i.e. drilling and production of an additional well).

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A quitclaim deed is an important document that transfers an individual's ownership rights to a property or real estate to another person. It can be used in various circumstances, such as resolving disputes, removing a name from the title, gifting property, and transferring property between family members without a sale.

The following blog discusses what a quitclaim deed is, how it works, and its advantages and disadvantages.

Quitclaim deeds are commonly used when the parties know and trust each other, such as transfers between family members or divorcing spouses. They are also used in situations where the seller is not entirely sure of their ownership interest in the property, such as in cases where there may be competing claims or unclear title issues.

How a Quitclaim Deed Works

A quitclaim deed provides no guarantee about the title of the transferred property. Instead, it simply transfers any ownership interest the grantor (the person transferring the property) has in the property to the grantee (the person receiving the property).

The grantor prepares the quitclaim deed. The grantor is the person who currently owns the property and wishes to transfer it to someone else. The grantor must fill out the quitclaim deed, which includes information such as the names and addresses of the grantor and grantee, a legal description of the property, and the date of the transfer.

The grantor signs the quitclaim deed in the presence of a notary public, who will verify the grantor's identity and witness the process. The grantee receives the quitclaim deed. The grantee must receive the original signed quitclaim deed from the grantor.

The grantee records the quitclaim deed. They must file the quitclaim deed with the county recorder's office in the county where the property is located. It creates a public record of the transfer of ownership and helps protect the grantee's ownership interest in the property.

It's vital to note that a quitclaim deed does not guarantee that the grantor has clear title to the transferred property. For this reason, a quitclaim deed is often used when the grantor and grantee are familiar with each other and there is no question about the property's title.

How to Create a Quitclaim Deed

Creating a quitclaim deed involves several steps, including drafting the document, signing it, and recording it with the appropriate county or state authority. Here are the basic steps to create a quitclaim deed:

• Identify the Parties Involved. The first step is to identify the grantor (the person transferring the property) and the grantee (the person receiving the property).
• Obtain the Property Information. Gather information about the property, including the legal description, address, and county where it's located.
• Draft the Quitclaim Deed. Write the quitclaim deed document, including the names of the parties involved, the property description, and a statement indicating that the grantor is transferring any interest they have in the property to the grantee. You can find templates or examples of quitclaim deeds online or hire a real estate attorney to draft one for you.
• Sign the Quitclaim Deed. The grantor must sign the document in front of a notary public or other authorized official.
• Record the Quitclaim Deed. After the document is signed, it must be recorded with the appropriate county or state authority, such as the county recorder's office. This makes the transfer of ownership official and creates a public record of the transfer.

When to Use a Quitclaim Deed

A quitclaim deed is commonly used when the parties know each other, such as between family members or divorcing spouses. It may also be used to transfer property between business partners or to clear up any questions about ownership.

However, it's important to note that a quitclaim deed may not be appropriate in all situations. For example, if you're buying or selling a property, it's generally recommended to use a warranty deed instead, providing greater protection for the buyer.

It's also important to clearly understand the potential risks involved when using a quitclaim deed, particularly if there are any outstanding liens or other claims against the property. In any case, it's always a good idea to consult with a real estate attorney before using a quitclaim deed to transfer ownership of real property .

Quitclaim Deed vs. Warranty Deed

A quitclaim deed and a warranty deed are both legal documents used in real estate transactions to transfer ownership of a property from one party to another. However, they differ in the level of protection they offer to the buyer.

A quitclaim deed is a document that transfers any interest the grantor (the person transferring the property) has in the property to the grantee (the person receiving the property), but it makes no guarantees or promises about the title.

In other words, the grantor is only transferring their interest in the property without making any warranties or guarantees about the title. This means that the grantee takes on any risks associated with the title, such as any liens, encumbrances, or defects.

On the other hand, a warranty deed is a document that transfers ownership of a property and includes promises or warranties from the grantor that they have clear and marketable title to the property.

It means that the grantor is guaranteeing that they own the property free and clear of any liens or encumbrances and that they have the right to transfer ownership to the grantee. If any issues with the title arise after the transfer, the grantor may be held liable and may have to compensate the grantee for any losses.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Quitclaim Deeds

• Simplicity: A quitclaim deed is a simple way to transfer property ownership without requiring an extensive legal process.
• Cost-Effective: Compared to other types of property transfers, a quitclaim deed is generally less expensive and can be completed quickly.
• Speed: Since there is no need for title searches or insurance, the transfer can happen quickly and without much delay.
• Flexibility: Quitclaim deeds can transfer property to family members, business partners, or anyone else without requiring extensive paperwork or formalities.

Disadvantages

• Limited Protection: The grantee of a quitclaim deed has limited protection against any claims that may arise against the property compared to other types of deeds that provide stronger legal protections.
• Not Suitable for All Situations: Quitclaim deeds may not be appropriate for certain situations, such as when buying or selling a property or when a third party is interested.
• Potential for Disputes: If there are any disputes over ownership or claims against the property, a quitclaim deed may not provide enough legal protection for the grantee. It could result in costly legal battles to resolve the dispute.

Quitclaim Deeds and Mortgages

While a quitclaim deed removes an individual's name from the property title and removes that individual's right to property, it doesn't eliminate mortgage responsibilities. A quitclaim deed removes a name but does not absolve that person from needing to pay off any debts they incur as the property's owner.

The mortgage is a separate document from the quitclaim deed. This can come into play during a divorce. For example, if one spouse quitclaims their property to the other spouse, this doesn't remove either spouse's name from the mortgage — nor does it remove the responsibility to pay that mortgage.

The only ways to relieve a borrower from their mortgage obligation are by using:

• A payoff of the mortgage
• A refinance ( Here is an article about refinancing your mortgage)
• A sale of a property that results in a mortgage payoff

Deed transfers, including quitclaim deeds, solely impact property ownership and do not affect existing mortgages on the property.

Although a quitclaim deed removes an individual's name from the property title and their right to the property, it does not release them from any mortgage responsibilities. Even after a quitclaim deed, the individual must continue to pay off any debts they incurred as the property owner.

It is important to note that a mortgage is a separate document from the quitclaim deed, which can become relevant in situations such as divorce. For instance, if one spouse transfers their property to the other spouse using a quitclaim deed, it does not remove either spouse's name from the mortgage nor their obligation to pay it.

To relieve a borrower from their mortgage obligation, they can use one of the following methods: a payoff of the mortgage, a refinance, or a sale of the property that results in a mortgage payoff.

Key Terms for a Quitclaim

• Quitclaim Deed: A legal document that transfers ownership of real property in a state from one person (grantor) to another (grantee) without any warranties or guarantees regarding the property's title or condition.
• Grantor: The person who currently owns the property and is transferring ownership through the Quitclaim Deed.
• Grantee: The person receiving ownership of the property through the Quitclaim Deed.
• Consideration: The amount of money or other valuables exchanged between the grantor and grantee as part of the Quitclaim Deed transaction. It is worth noting, Quitclaim Deeds are often transacted for no consideration, such as gifting or transferring a property.
• Cloud on Title: Any claim, lien, or other encumbrance that could affect the grantee's property ownership, even though the grantor makes no warranties or guarantees about the property's title.

Final Thoughts on a Quitclaim

A quitclaim deed is significant because it provides a simple, cost-effective way to transfer property ownership. However, it provides no guarantees or warranties about the title or ownership.

For help with Quitclaim deeds, we would recommend getting in touch with a real estate lawyer who specializes in these types of documents. Seeking professional legal advice is always the best course of action for this type of transaction.

Need to file a quitclaim deed?

Meet some of our quitclaim lawyers.

McGhee at Law is a purpose-driven law firm located in Indiana. We are focused on assisting Clients with creating opportunities of advancement. Our strategy is to assist, advise and support our Clients in fulfilling their vision for their personal lives and businesses through the practice of law.

Meghan Thomas is an accomplished transactional attorney. She specializes in IP, real estate and tech related transactional matters, and business contracts. Meghan's innovative leadership style has attributed to the firm's rapid development and presence in the metro-Atlanta market. She obtained her Doctor of Law from Emory University where she worked with the State Attorney General and litigated property disputes for disadvantaged clients. ​ Prior to practicing, Meghan negotiated complex transactions for Fortune 500 tech and healthcare companies. She lives with her family in Southwest Atlanta, enjoys cooking, travel, dance and continues to develop her research in the areas of transactional law and legal sustainability.

Justin Camper is a small business and trademark attorney, entrepreneur, public speaker, and writer. Justin has been practicing law close to 5 years and has done various areas of law from criminal work as a Prosecutor, to business and civil litigation at private law firms.

Bobby E. Hill, Jr. is a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama and holds undergraduate degrees in music and business administration from Xavier University of Louisiana. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law where he was a staff and articles editor for the school’s Race & Social Justice Law Review and a student attorney in the institution’s Immigration Clinic. In addition to freelancing, Bobby is currently a litigation associate at Johnson & Freeman, LLC, a boutique litigation firm in Atlanta, Georgia, where he practices in the firm's Condemnation, Probate, Real Estate Litigation, Real Estate Transactions, E-Discovery and Business and General Civil Litigation Practice areas. In this role, Bobby has acquired appreciable experience in drafting memoranda of law for partners and senior counsel, and all litigation related pleadings including pleadings related to dispositive motions, discovery, appeals, and other post-judgment relief.

Jessica Molligan is an attorney with twenty years of experience in family law, bankruptcy, and litigation.

Christine T.

Christine E. Taylor focuses her practice in the areas of Hospitality Law, Business Law, Labor and Employment Law, Real Estate Law, Administrative Law, Estate Law and Litigation. Ms. Taylor grew up within the campground industry, working at parks in both the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Franchise and the Kampgrounds of America Franchise. Armed with two decades of experience, Ms. Taylor is quick to point out the legal issues that apply to outdoor hospitality business owners. She has provided a wide variety of services to campgrounds, RV Parks, and glamping venues, including seasonal licenses, waivers, employment contracts, real estate services and even litigation services as needed.

I help clients with: buying and selling commercial properties including multi-family and office projects, subdivisions, retail shopping centers; and negotiating leases for retail and office landlords, retail tenants and office tenants. Over 23 years I've honed my skills by running deals at an Amlaw-100 firm, an elite real estate boutique in Aspen, Colorado and a few highly regarded national firms based in Denver, Colorado, before starting my own solo practice in 2016. Since 2016 I've been helping my clients with real estate and business deals. I'm a commercial real estate and business expert with a passion for helping clients forge successful ventures in an efficient and understandable manner.

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Real Estate

Can a quit claim be contested after 18 years for any reason?

X is trying filing to contest

Hello! I hope you are well! If X is contesting a defective or invalid deed, and the quitclaim deed has been recorded for at least five years, then the deed will be considered valid. Under Oklahoma law, an instrument (in your case, the quitclaim deed) that has not been acknowledged or which contains a defective acknowledgment shall be considered valid notwithstanding such omission or defect, and shall not be deemed to impair marketability, provided such instrument has been recorded for a period of not less than five (5) years. 16 O.S. §§ 27a & 39a. I would note that my response is limited based on the information that you have provided and that each individual situation may present its own unique issues. I hope this helps!

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Quit Claim Deed

Location: ohio, turnaround: a week, service: prepare & file, doc type: quitclaim deed, number of bids: 2, bid range: $450 - $500, file quit claim for private property in brandon florida, location: florida, turnaround: over a week, bid range: $400 - $550, related contracts.

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Phone: 505-827-5760

State Land Office Forms

Please Note: Many forms were updated on December 1, 2022 to correspond with changes due to the implementation of the Cultural Properties Protection Rule. Old forms will not be accepted. Please use the listed forms below. 

*** To avoid errors caused by autofill, please download fillable forms before filling in your information.  ***

Agricultural Leasing Forms

• Cultural Survey Support Program Application 
• Improvement Application Only Print
• Improvement Application Fillable
• Sublease Application
• Open Acreage Application and Appraisal Form
• Carrying Capacity Re-Evaluation Form
• Collateral Assignment Form
• Collateral Assignment Form (pdf)
• Instructions for Completion of Assignments
• Application to Convert State Trust Land
• Collateral Assignment Agreement
• Release of Collateral Assignment 1.11.2019
• Agricultural Lease Assignment – S-37
• Affidavit of Heirship (HEIRS)
• Affidavit – Surviving Spouse
• Affidavit of Heirship – Disinterested Person
• Application to Validate Improvements
• Improvement Listing Document
• Actual Cost Affidavit
• Conversion of State Lands Guidelines
• Change of Address
• Agricultural Lease Competitive Bid Application & Appraisal Form
• Appraisement of Grazing and Agricultural Lands
• Improvement Listing of Existing Lease’s Renewal Application
• Renewal Signature Page 
• Multiple-Use Incident Reporting Form – Aug. 2021
• Agricultural Lessee Damage/Access Payment Reporting Form

Business Leasing Forms

• Application for Business Lease Packet
• Application to Make Improvements
• Application to Amend Legal Description
• Assignment of State Business Lease
• Application to Sublease
• Application for Pits and Ponds
• Well Pad Lease Packet
• Telecommunication Application Packet
• Consent Form
• Partial Relinquishment Form
• Application for a Billboard Permit
• Application for Planning and Development Lease
• Application for Exchange or Sale
• General Relinquishment
• Collateral Assignment
• Release of Collateral Assignment

Cultural Resources Forms

General Forms and Documents:

Approved Cultural Properties Protection Rule

Instructions for Compliance 

NMSLO Cultural Resources Cover Sheet (Fillable)

Cultural Survey Standards 

Current Supplemental Guidance to Survey Standards

Cultural Resource Consultants Permitted on State Land (List Maintained by the Department of Cultural Affairs)

 Cultural Survey Support Program

Frequently Asked Questions:

CPP Rule General FAQs

CPP Rule Agricultural Lessee FAQs

Training Presentation PDFs:

Cultural Resource Consultant Training Slideshow

General Lessee Training Slideshow

Oil and Gass Lessee Training Slideshow

Agricultural Lessee Training Slideshow 

Web Portal How-To Guides 

User Login and Dashboard Instructions

Acknowledgement Instructions

Oil and Gas Project Description Instructions

ARMS Review Instructions

Notification of Intent to Conduct Survey Instructions 

Environmental Compliance Office (ECO)

Mineral forms.

• Assignment of Cash Collateral OGMD Revised 2.13.19.2019_02_13
• Cash Bond Template
• Cultural Properties Protection Acknowledgment Form 12.22
• Rule 5 Reclamation Special Use Agreement 1.7.19
• Rule 5 Guidelines for Mineral Leasing 2019
• Rule 5 Reclamation Plan Blank 1.3.19
• SLO Megabond Form 2020
• Rule 3 Application for Mining Lease Print
• Rule 3 Application for Mining Lease Fillable
• Rule 2 Mineral Lease Sale Nomination Form
• Rule 2 Application for Mining Lease
• Rule 5 Exploration Special Use Agreement 1.7.19
• Rule 5 Application for Mineral Lease Fillable
• Rule 4 Application for Mining Lease Print
• Rule 4 Application for Mining Lease Fillable
• Rule 5 Fillable Environmental Questionnaire
• Rule 5 Fillable Mine Operation Plan
• Rule 5 Exploration Special Use Agreement 12.22
• Rule 5 Reclamation Special Use Agreement 12.22
• Rule 7 Application for Mining Lease
• Rule 7 Geothermal Application for Mining Lease Fillable
• Filing Instructions for Mineral Lease Surety
• Bond for Contract Performance and Surface or Improvement Damage
• Mineral Lease Address Change
• NMSLO Cultural Resources Cover Sheet 12.22

Oil and Gas Forms

Oil & gas record title assignment forms.

**—“BOTH THE LEASE ASSIGNMENT COVERSHEET AND THE RECORD TITLE WILL BE REQUIRED FOR ALL ASSIGNMENTS SUBMITTED TO SLO”

**Lease Assignment Information Coversheet 7-20-2023

**Record Title of Assignment of Oil and Gas Lease Form NMSLO

Acknowledgment in an Individual Capacity

Acknowledgment in a Representative Capacity

ASSIGNOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT and ASSIGNEE ACCEPTANCE

ASSIGNEE ACCEPTANCE _ additional signature block

ASSIGNOR’S ACKNOWLEDGMENT _ additional signature block

 Oil & Gas Bond Forms

• Bond Instructions Law and Rule NM SLO.DOC
• Multi-Lease Blanket Bond
• Oil and Gas Leases Improvement Damage Bond – One Lease
• Assignment of Cash Collateral
• CASH BOND COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT FORM

Communitizations, Comminglings & Units

• Checklist and Instructions for Communitization Agreements
• Communitization Agreement Short-Term Part 1
• Communitization Agreement Short-Term Part 2
• Communitization-Agreement-State-Fed-or-State-Fed-Fee-2022-FINAL-3-4-2024-Part-1
• Communitization Agreement State-Fed or State-Fed-Fee Part 2
• Communitization Agreement OG-CO2
• Communitization-Agreement-State-State-or-State-Fee-2023-Part-1
• Communitization Agreement State-State or State-Fee Part 2
• Communitization Self-Certification Form for Non-State Interests
• Unit Change of Operator Checklist 6.15.2022
• State-Fee Exploratory Unit Development Operation Agreement
• State-Fee Waterflood Unit Development Operation Agreement
• State-Fed-Fee Exploratory Unit Development Operation Agreement
• State-Fed-Fee Waterflood Unit Development Operation Agreement
• Notice of Unit Operator Transfer – 1.7.19
• Commingling Application 9.8.23

 Other Gas and Oil Forms

• Annual Rental Payor Change Request.DOC
• Bid Application Lease Sale Form and Guide
• Change of Address – Official Notice
• Change of Annual Rental Payor
• Relinquishment, Release, and Quitclaim Deed Instructions
• Consolidation of State Oil and Gas Leases
• Lease Stipulation Form
• Oil and Gas Bond Waiver Certification July 2020
• Lease Stipulation Form Instructions
• Relinquishment, Release, and Quitclaim Deed
• Surface Owner Surface Owner / Lessee Bond Requirement Waiver
• Shut-In Gas Royalty Payment Form
• Geophysical Exploration Permit Application
• Geophysical Bond Permit Form
• Reduced Royalty Rate Application
• Miscellaneous Instrument Filing Form Jan. 2019
• 2022 NM State Land Office Oil & Gas Industry Day

Recreational Access Forms

• Submit Recreational Access Permit Application Online
• Download Recreational Access Permit Application
• Educational Access Permit Application
• Outfitter Guide Application

Renewable Energy Forms

• Right-of-Entry for Wind and Solar Energy
• Wind and Solar Lease Application

Rights-of-Way Forms

• Assignment Packet Checklist Cover Page and Form
• Educational Access Permit 2023
• Outfitter Guide Application 2023
• Partial Assignment of Right-of-Way and Easement 2023  
• Produced Water Bond 250K Blanket 2023
• Produced Water Bond 25k Single 2023
• Recreational Access Permit 2023    
• Right-of-Entry Affidavit of Removal of Temporary Lines
• Right of Entry Request 2023
• Right-of-Entry Request (Remediation) 2023
• Right-of-Entry Request for Treated Water  
• Right-of-Entry Film Location Request 2023
• Right-of-Entry Geotechnical Application Fillable 2023
• Right-of-Way Application 2024
• Right-of-Way Application Packet 2024
• Right-of-Way Construction Affidavit of Completion 2023  
• Right-of-Way Easement Amendment Fillable 2023
• Single ROW Damage Improvement Bond
• Blanket ROW Damage Improvement Bond
• Fee Schedule 11-2023

Royalty Management Forms

• 2023 Industry Training – Audit 
• 2023 Industry Training – Compliance
• 2023 Industry Training – Revenue
• 2023 CSV Template
• CSV Online Filing
• Electronic Reporting Instructions
• Excel Oil & Gas Royalty Detail Report (OGR-2)
• Excel Oil & Gas Royalty Detail Report Continuation Sheet (OGR-2C)
• Excel Oil & Gas Royalty Summary Report (OGR-1)
• Intent to Request Claim for Refund Form
• PDF Advance Royalty Deposit Guidance
• PDF Oil & Gas Royalty Detail Report (OGR-2)
• PDF Oil & Gas Royalty Detail Report Continuation Sheet (OGR-2C)
• PDF Oil & Gas Royalty Summary Report (OGR-1)
• State Royalty Menu Screen
• Oil & Gas Royalty Filers Kit
• Compliance with State of New Mexico Methane/Waste Rule C-115B Reporting Requirements

Water/Salt Water Disposal Forms

• Assignment of Cash Collateral – Salt Water Jan. 2019
• Bond SWD Reclamation Form Jan. 2019
• Cultural Properties Protection Acknowledgment Form 12 22
• Cultural Properties Protection Acknowledgment Form 12 22 Fillable
• Fresh Water Easement Bond Surety Form
• Fresh Water Easement Bond Financial Institution Form
• Fresh Water Easement Financial Institution Assignment of Cash Collateral Form
• Megabond SLO Form – Rev. 2020
• NAME or ADDRESS CHANGE-SWD & Water Fillable Form 12-22
• NMSLO Cultural Resources Cover Sheet 12 22
• Relinquishment Form
• Salt Water Disposal Damage Bond
• SWD Application Checklist 12 22
• SWD Application to Amend Easement 12 22
• SWD Assignment Easement_TierSelect 12 22
• SWD Instructions 2-Tier Nov. 2018
• SWD New Easement Application 12 22
• SWD Renewal Application 12 22
• SWD Water Address Name Change Form 2019-10-01
• Temporary 90-Day Water Easement Application Jan. 2019
• WATER Application to AMEND Production Water Easement 12 22
• WATER Assignment Easement 12 22
• WATER Deep Non Potable Easement Application 12.22
• WATER Exploration-Soil Boring 1 year Permit Application 12 22
• WATER Exploration-Soil Boring 60-Day Permit Application 12 22
• Water Lease Application Jan. 2019
• WATER New Easement Application 12 22
• WATER Monitoring & Recovery Easement Application 12 22
• WATER Renewal Easement Application 12 22
• Web-Rent Schedule For Water And SWD Easements_2021-02-24
• 2018 Calculation of Disposal Rental Report
• 2022-08-30 Water Bureau Overview
• 2020-12-15 SLO – SGR Water Policy Final-Signed

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