Run Sheet
When it comes to land-related matters, a run sheet is a document that explains how ownership for a tract of land has changed over time. Run sheets tend to be highly detailed and are commonly prepared in tandem with land ownership reports.
What Information Appears in a Run Sheet?
Run sheets may vary depending on the preparer but are typically organized into rows and columns. Each row represents a unique transaction, such as when a landowner sold a tract to someone else. The oldest transaction on the run sheet is usually listed first, followed by the second, and so on. The most recent transaction would be listed at the bottom of the run sheet.
Each row (transaction) in the run sheet contains multiple pieces of information (expressed as columns). For example, at New Era Land Services LLC, our run sheet template specifies a variety of transaction details, including:
Volume and page: The book and page number in which the transaction is recorded at the courthouse.
Type: Legal instrument that is being referred to, such as an easement.
Grantor and Grantee: The parties who were involved in the transaction.
Legal Description & Notes: Detailed information about the transaction.
Date: When the transaction occurred.
Run Sheets for Energy Projects
Developers seeking land for solar, wind, battery storage, or hydrocarbon energy projects rely on run sheets before entering into long-term land leases or purchase agreements. Installing solar panels on two thousand acres of land requires a significant capital investment, which underscores the importance of executing agreements with rightful landowners. However, identifying rightful landowners can be complex, especially in situations involving multiple owners, severed mineral rights, and variances in state land rights (i.e., dormant mineral rights).
“Running patent”—preparing a run sheet from a tract’s original granting through the present day—can be time-consuming and require specialized research and documentation skills. For this reason, energy developers often outsource this work to a land services company like our team at New Era Land Services.
Run Sheet Support for Renewable Energy
New Era Land Services regularly prepares run sheets for clients, including developers working on solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects. Compared to hiring an attorney, partnering with a land company can be a cost-effective way to obtain historical title information.
Contact us to discuss our run sheet capabilities and other services.