When it comes to owning property, understanding the terminology is key to understanding the rules. One key phrase that is important for landowners to be familiar with is “metes and bounds.” But what does this phrasing mean?
Metes and bounds is a legal property definition referring to a specific set of rules for describing land in boundary lines, taking into account turns and angles. The term “metes” relates to natural boundaries like rivers or lakes, while “bounds” are more artificial, created by humans boundaries such as fences and walls.
A meet and bounds system was traditionally used to divide parcels of land in the United States, and the recorded information related to these lines were called land deeds. Used in all 50 U.S. states since colonial days, metes and bounds typically fall into three categories: standard deeds, common deeds, and free deeds.
Standard Deeds: Establishing a Record
Under the standard system, measurements and boundaries of a piece of land are established and recorded when it’s sold or transferred. These measurements serve as the record of the property’s boundaries and provide legal evidence of its ownership.
Common Deeds: Relying on a Starting Point
If the land hasn’t been officially recorded, its boundaries can still be described using common deeds. A description is created by starting from a known point, like a stream or a marked tree, then going in a single direction until the boundary lines of the property are established.
Free Deeds: Surveyor-Free Measurements
In some cases, a surveyor isn’t necessary when describing a property’s boundaries. Free deed systems are reliant on natural features, like streams, trees, or hills – as long as the boundaries are clear enough to be understood from the description. These land deeds can be used if the owner has an idea of where the boundaries should be, but are not certain.
Whether you’re transferring land or just need to understand legal terms, understanding metes and bounds is an important part of navigating the property laws. Knowing which descriptions and measurements are used for specific transactions can go a long way in safeguarding your rights and responsibilities as a landowner.