Does Ohio have a statutory Pugh Clause?

Ohio does not have a statutory Pugh Clause. A Pugh Clause, often found in oil and gas leases, allows a lessee to retain rights to a portion of the leased land while releasing others, particularly after the primary term of the lease. In states where this clause is statutory, it is explicitly defined by law and applies uniformly across the state.

Ohio does not have such a statute in place, which means the applicability of Pugh Clauses depends primarily on the language agreed upon in leases rather than being governed by a specific statutory framework. This absence is significant because it places reliance on negotiation and drafting abilities when it comes to retaining rights to certain portions of the leased property, compared to states where these rights are clearly defined by law.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for lease and title analysts in Ohio, as it affects how they prepare leases and advise clients on their rights and obligations under oil and gas agreements.