Arranging a Property Survey for Co-Owned Land in Rhode Island

Detailed answer — step-by-step process

1. Decide why you need the survey.

   Common reasons: confirm boundary lines, prepare for a sale, resolve a boundary dispute, subdivide the lot, or locate improvements. The survey’s scope (boundary, topographic, subdivision) affects cost and the type of surveyor you hire.

2. Gather title documents and any existing surveys.

   Collect the deed, prior surveys, the title report (if you have one), and local tax or GIS maps. Existing documents can shorten work and reduce cost. Check with the town or city assessor, the recorder of deeds or town clerk for recorded plats or maps.

3. Talk with the co-owner (your sibling) and agree on scope and logistics.

   Because you co-own the property, ideally you both consent to the survey, agree on who hires the surveyor, how costs are split, and when surveyors may enter the land. Put the agreement in writing (email or short letter) so the surveyor knows who authorized the work.

4. Hire a licensed Rhode Island land surveyor.

   Use a licensed professional. Verify licensure and insurance through the Rhode Island licensing authority (Department of Business Regulation) before hiring: https://dbr.ri.gov/ . Ask for references, sample plats, and a written estimate describing deliverables (signed/sealed plat, monumentation, digital files).

5. Agree on access and entry permission.

   The surveyor may need to access adjacent parcels for measurements. If a neighboring owner holds an obstruction to access or a co-owner refuses permission, note that you might need a court order to obtain access (see “When co-owners disagree” below).

6. Review the draft plat and final report carefully.

   Review the surveyor’s signed and stamped plat (map) that should show bearings, distances, monuments, and references to recorded deeds or prior plats. If you plan to record the survey or a boundary agreement, ask the surveyor about the proper recording format and the local recording office.

7. Record or document the result.

   If the survey settles the boundary or creates a new legal description (for subdivision or sale), record the plat or a boundary line agreement at the local recording office according to local rules. Recording gives public notice of the surveyed boundary.

If a co-owner refuses to cooperate

If your sibling refuses permission for a survey or access, you have options:

• Try mediation or a written agreement — inexpensive and preserves relationships.
• Request the court’s involvement. Rhode Island law allows co-owners to seek partition or other relief in court; a court can order access or appoint professionals. For information about filing actions in Rhode Island courts, see the Rhode Island Judiciary: https://www.courts.ri.gov/ .

Legal considerations under Rhode Island law

Partition actions and other ownership disputes can be pursued in Rhode Island courts. For Rhode Island statutes and to search specific chapters (e.g., partition, recording, or property law), consult the Rhode Island General Laws online: https://www.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/ . If you face a dispute that might require court action, consider speaking with a Rhode Island attorney experienced in real property or family property disputes.

Who pays and how much will it cost?

Typically, co-owners split the cost if both agree. If only one co-owner requests a survey and the other refuses, the requesting owner may pay up front. Costs vary by survey type, property size, terrain, and whether title or deed research is needed. Ask surveyors for an itemized written estimate before work begins.

What a licensed surveyor should provide

• Signed and stamped plat/plan with bearings, distances, and monumentation.
• Written description you can use in deeds (metes and bounds) if needed.
• Recommendations about monuments, pins, fences, and recording steps.
• Digital copies (often PDF or CAD) if requested.

When you may need an attorney

Consider consulting a Rhode Island real property attorney if:

• Co-owners cannot agree on access, cost-splitting, or boundary location.
• The survey uncovers conflicting deeds, easements, or title issues.
• You need to file a partition action or ask the court to compel access.

For local court procedures and filing locations, see the Rhode Island Judiciary: https://www.courts.ri.gov/ . For statute reference and to research relevant laws, use the Rhode Island General Laws site: https://www.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/ .

Helpful Hints

• Start by asking the town/city assessor and the recorder of deeds for copies of recorded plats — they may already have what you need.
• Get at least two written quotes from licensed Rhode Island surveyors and compare deliverables, not just price.
• Ask the surveyor to identify existing monuments (pins) and whether they will replace or reset them.
• Document any agreement with your sibling in writing (who pays, who hires, timeline) before work begins.
• Keep the survey and any boundary agreements with your deed and file them with the local recording office if appropriate.
• If you expect to subdivide or sell, involve both a surveyor and an attorney early to avoid procedural mistakes.
• Verify the surveyor’s Rhode Island license and insurance at the Department of Business Regulation: https://dbr.ri.gov/ .
• If the matter becomes contentious, seek neutral mediation before filing court actions; mediation is cheaper and faster.