JohnB's Games

This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong.
====== Property Ownership ======

The most important thing to remember, is that the whole of Westland belongs to Lord Rignal, unless he sells it or gives it away.  You can't just settle on a piece of land and claim it as your own, you need permission before you can do that.
  * 
  * **Renting:** Anyone, no matter what their status, can rent property, from whoever controls it.
  * **Leasing:** Any recognised Resident, or people of a higher social status, may lease property, this gives a limited title to the land and any building on it.  The lease is permanent and heritable -  however, there is a purchase price, and a regular, annual, fee/rent associated with the leased property.  It might be some undeveloped land, a business or a residential property.  However, there are clauses in the lease that allows Lord Rignal to cancel the lease.   Most deal with things like failing to pay rent, criminal activities, treason and such-like.   However, there is also a no-fault clause that allows Lord Rignal to reclaim land, in return for compensation and/or resettlement.  While that is uncomfortable for the lessee, the compensation is generally considered as fair, if not slightly generous.  New leases must be approved by the administration, and if a lease is to be sold the purchaser must be approved by administration.
  * **Owned:** Citizens, and people of higher social status, can buy land outright.  Prices are high, and must be approved by Lord Rignal.  In most cases, he takes the advice of his administration (Governor, Chief Steward etc).  This Permission generally relates to small parcel of land - a single business premises, a home or a patch of wilderness (via a Venture/Development Company).  A successful Development Company, or its members, may apply for further land grants.  There are clauses that allow the ownership to be cancelled in the case of serious criminal activities or treason.
  * **Granted:** Lord Rignal has the right to grant land, in perpetuity, should he choose to.  This is generally associated with the award of Knight/Dominus status -  but land could be granted to anyone.   There is a reclaim clause for Treason, but that is the only possible reason to recall the grant.