Gas Exploration - Information for Property Owners

As gas exploration in the Barnett Shale becomes more prevalent in the City of Dallas, you may be approached by gas companies seeking to lease the mineral rights from beneath your home or business.  While the City is not able to provide legal advice regarding gas exploration or drilling on private property, we have compiled a list of resources below.  If you have additional questions for the City of Dallas, please contact Strategic Customer Services at (214) 670-5551.

DISCLAIMER
The City does not lease nor provide advice about leasing private property for gas exploration and drilling. Information provided by the City addresses general issues related to gas drilling and mineral leases and is not intended to provide advice on any specific legal matter or factual situation. This information is not intended to create and its receipt does not constitute or create an attorney-client, fiduciary or other relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel. Gas companies offering leases for gas exploration and drilling for privately owned minerals, including those with the word "Dallas" as part of their name or logo, are not associated with or endorsed by the City of Dallas.

What Should I Do If A Gas Well Company Wants Me To Sign A Lease? (Adobe PDF)

Additional Resources

The Texas Railroad Commission provides general information pertaining to leases and royalties.

The Texas Land & Mineral Owners Association is a statewide advocacy association whose members are farmers, ranchers, and royalty owners. Many resources are located on their website.

The Fort Worth League of Neighborhoods’ website includes a webpage dedicated to Gas Well Drilling Resources, including "Tips for Neighborhoods Negotiating Gas Leases.”

The Real Estate Center offers several oil and gas publications regarding leases and royalties.

Presentations to the Dallas City Council

Natural Gas Leasing Information for Homeowners (Adobe PDF, Housing Committee, March 3, 2008)