A strange question about a utility company

[frugalone]

You know those metal boxes you see every now and then, that contain equipment for various utility or phone providers, such as Verizon or AT&T?

If they're in someone's backyard, have you ever heard of the homeowner being compensated monthly or yearly for allowing the box to be on their property?

[Yppej]

Are you talking about a transformer?

[frugalone]

Yes, I am.

[Alan]

Those are ususally granted easements without benefit to the homeowner other than the improved utility of whatever they're supporting. Although I guess that could vary by locality.

[frugalone]

Hmmm...OK. We looked at a property the other day and the seller's rep was telling us the utility paid the homeowner every month. But of course "she had to double check that."

[Gardnr]

Have 'em and no there is no compensation. It's an eminent domain kind of arrangement that happens at the time of development.

[bae]

"It depends" - on the exact history of the development and the agreements that run with the land. You'd have to look at the title to your property to see what the story is.

When I ran the water company here, we'd usually compensate property owners if we had to procure an easement to place equipment. Generally we'd trade other things, such as water memberships, instead of a monthly rent arrangement.

[frugalone]

The house is about 100 years old, I'd say. So not sure about development. I'm sure they'll have to come out and tell us.