“A Real Estate Developer wants an Easement to my property. Do I have to allow this easement? Should I be compensated for the usage of the property? The Real Estate Developer is asking for a 50ft. temporary easement and a 20ft. permant easement. It will be located near the back of my property. A subdivision currently backs up to my property. The Developer is building several new subdivisions located on three different main streets. One street is still currently being built. The Developer wants an easement to install a sewer line. Since, the Developer stands to gain capital from the installation of the sewer lines. Shouldn’t I be compensated at a commercial rate? Should I just sell the land to the Developer? I live in Mississippi.”

I cannot advise you regarding the specific laws of Mississippi, however in general you are not obligated to grant an easement. If there is a statute or a court order or some zoning provision or something which governs your particular situation, that may override the general rule. In particular, you mention that there’s already a subdivision behind your property; does the existing subdivision have an easement over your property? If so–in fact, if there are any easements already on your property–that may affect your rights and obligations, and should be reviewed.

Selling the land to the developer may not be as simple as it sounds, since that would be a “lot line adjustment” between your property and his, and would require government approval. It is certainly an option, but you would need to figure in the cost of getting the approval. In most cases, an easement can be granted without as much governmental overhead.