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A homeowner's lot borders a non-navigable stream. Over five years, the stream gradually deposits soil on the homeowner's bank, extending the lot by 12 feet. What legal doctrine applies to this gradual addition of land?

Correct Answer

B) Accretion, because the deposit occurred gradually through natural forces

Accretion is the gradual and imperceptible deposit of soil along a waterway through natural action. The landowner whose bank receives the deposit gains title to the newly formed land.

Answer Options
A
Avulsion, because the stream shifted course suddenly
B
Accretion, because the deposit occurred gradually through natural forces
C
Reliction, because the water level permanently dropped
D
Erosion, because soil was removed from the opposite bank

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

accretionwater_rightsripariannatural_forcesproperty_ownership

Related Concepts

Tenancy in common is a form of co-ownership in which two or more persons hold separate, undivided interests in property without the right of survivorship. Each owner can hold unequal shares and can independently transfer their interest.

A freehold estate conveys ownership rights, while a leasehold estate grants the right to possess and use property for a specific period without ownership.

Riparian rights concern properties bordering flowing bodies of water (rivers, streams), while littoral rights concern properties bordering non-flowing bodies of water (lakes, oceans).

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