Certified Residential Appraiser Practice Exam

Which type of rights are specifically referred to as vertical rights?

1. Water rights

2. Surface rights

3. Air rights

4. Mineral rights

The correct answer is: Air rights

Vertical rights refer to the various rights associated with the use of space above and below a property. This concept is particularly significant in real estate and property law, where land ownership encompasses not just the surface of the land, but also the areas above and below it. Air rights, in particular, pertain to the ability to use and develop the space above a property. This can include the right to construct buildings that extend into the air space above the land or to lease that space for purposes such as signage or telecommunications. This is especially relevant in urban areas where space is limited, and the development of skyscrapers can be significant. In contrast, the other options refer to different aspects of property rights. Water rights are related to the use and ownership of water bodies. Surface rights involve the ownership and use of the surface of the land itself. Mineral rights pertain to the extraction of resources located beneath the earth's surface, such as oil, gas, and minerals. All these rights represent different dimensions of property ownership but do not specifically address the vertical dimension of space like air rights do.