Massachusetts Real Estate License Practice Test

Which primary right is granted to owners of property that is adjacent to a moving body of water?

1. Right to exclusive use

2. Riparian rights

3. Littoral rights

4. Easement rights

The correct answer is: Riparian rights

The primary right granted to owners of property that is adjacent to a moving body of water is known as riparian rights. These rights allow property owners to make reasonable use of the water for activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as to access the water directly from their property. Additionally, riparian rights typically encompass the right to maintain the banks of the waterway and to protect the property from erosion. Riparian rights are specifically tied to properties that border flowing waters, such as rivers and streams. This connection emphasizes the relationship between the landowner and the water, as it underscores that the rights come from the property’s proximity to the moving water. Littoral rights, on the other hand, apply to properties adjacent to still bodies of water, such as lakes and seas. Easement rights concern the right to use a portion of another person's property for a specific purpose but do not pertain directly to natural water access in the same manner as riparian rights. Exclusive use implies sole ownership and control over a property or resource, which does not specifically pertain to water rights adjacent to moving bodies of water.