Converting from Oil to Gas - Run line through neighbor's yard?

[David Santore]

I am in a duplex owner/occupy with two oil furnaces.  I'd like to convert to natural gas, but I am in a long driveway at 340 feet.  The gas company will give me 100 ft for free, and then it is $30/ft for the rest of the 240 feet - $7,200 to run a line...ouch!

Across from my neighbor, it's a shorter distance.  Unsure how long, but certainly not 340 feet.  How common is it for people to run lines through an easement of someone's property?  Of course I'd need them to be OK with it to start.

[Charlie MacPherson]

@David Santore You'll need to acquire - and most likely purchase - an easement from your neighbor for the gas line.  Of course, they're under no obligation to accommodate you.

I did this a few years ago at a home I owned, where there were 3 new McMansions being built behind me.  I sold an easement for an underground water main to run through my property for $20,000.

My mortgage company had to approve the easement - and they required that I use $11,000 of the $20,000 to pay down principal on the loan.

Obviously, there will be a break-even number.  You'll have to get the easement for $XX,XXX or less for it to be worth it.  

The other break-even number is the conversion from oil to gas, but I'm sure you've worked that number out already.