I was wondering if anyone else had signed a lease and then the 180 day time period passed without being paid the bonus money.  We signed because we were told that they had a buyer for their land in Trumbull County, Ohio and that if we wanted paid in the next 90 days that we had to get our paperwork notarized and returned.  We did all that...and then the first 90 days passed...and then another 90 days...

We were told that the title to our land was clear, but that the driller just didn't want land in our area.  We never received a letter or phone call or any information except through a secretary that I repeatedly called and emailed.  No one from the actual company had the decency to contact us.

What I am most angry about is that when we put up $50 at the signing, they said it was for "earnest" type money, to show that we were not going around signing up with everyone who was offering a deal.

And...

In the Townhall meeting we attended, I specifically asked them..."So you are saying that even if we never become part of a drilling unit, that the bonus money for the lease will still be paid?"  And their quick and sure answer was "Yes, definitely...because we already have a buyer interested in all the land we can lease in Trumbull County."

Recently I read about leases that were expiring being put on hold and that the landowner wasn't free to sign with any other company.  Does anyone have any information on that...such as how I would find out if we were free to lease to someone else..

Thank you for any information ...