Do all co-tenants need to agree for a lessee to enter and operate the premises for oil and gas?

In the context of oil and gas law, co-tenancy refers to a situation where two or more parties have an ownership interest in the same property. For a lessee (someone who leases the property to explore and extract oil and gas) to operate on the premises, it is essential for all co-tenants to agree to that operation. This requirement ensures that each co-tenant, who has a legal interest in the property, provides consent for activities that could affect the use and value of their interest.

Reaching a unanimous decision among co-tenants serves to protect the rights of all parties involved. If one co-tenant does not consent, they may have legal grounds to contest the lessee's operation, which could lead to disputes or litigation. Therefore, the necessity for all co-tenants to agree is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of property rights and ensuring that no single co-tenant unilaterally controls the use of the property without the others' agreement.

This principle reflects the broader legal doctrine that joint ownership requires collaboration and consent among all owners for actions that impact the property.