Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 54%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$69 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
×
Take Your Forum Experience
to the Next Level
Create a free account and join over 3 million investors sharing
their journeys and helping each other succeed.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
Already a member?  Login here
Los Angeles County Real Estate Forum
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated over 5 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

6
Posts
0
Votes
Gary Wegmann
0
Votes |
6
Posts

Access to neighbors property

Gary Wegmann
Posted

I own a property with outstanding views of the Mississippi River in NE Iowa.   The river in this location is nearly 2 miles wide.   There is a 50' railroad easement between my dwelling and the river although my property line extends to the normal water line of the river.  In other words the railroad holds an easement over my land.     There is another cabin located approximately 3/4 mile upstream.  The neighbors have owned the property for around 20 years while I've owned mine 7 yrs.     The neighbors have access to their cabin from the Mississippi River but have no road access.   From my perspective, the river is the only legal access they have and they knew that when they purchased the property.   

 The neighbors have been driving past my property over the railroad right of way ever since I've owned the property.    The railroad says they have a no tolerance policy which restricts anyone from trespassing on their right of way.    The neighbor claims he has the legal right to drive through the RR right of way to get to his cabin and also to park on the ROW.   I maintain  the neighbor has NO legal right to trespass on the RR right of way, whether it's to walk, fish, park or commute to his cabin.    When I took title to my property I agreed to accept title with the understanding the RR held an easement through my land, but NO ONE ELSE.    Keeping in mind the neighbor can access his property from the Mississippi River, can I legally stop the neighbor from crossing my land or does the RR have jurisdiction since they hold the existing easement  (even though it's my land).    

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

23,418
Posts
13,509
Votes
Wayne Brooks#1 Foreclosures Contributor
  • Real Estate Professional
  • West Palm Beach, FL
13,509
Votes |
23,418
Posts
Wayne Brooks#1 Foreclosures Contributor
  • Real Estate Professional
  • West Palm Beach, FL
Replied

You likely have a legal right to stop anyone other the RR from crossing your land.  You likely have Zero case against the RR for not stopping them.

However, in almost every state a land owner has the legal right to access their....”land locked properties are not allowed. So....if you stop them from using the RR easement, they can go to court and a judge will grant them access “through an adjoining property owner’s property, whichever one makes the most sense, or the property that was divided and cut access off”.  In other words, they may end up with a legal access through another part of your property.

This happens often in FL and every state has similar provisions.

Pick your poison.

Loading replies...