What legal rights does a property owner have with regard to water bordering their property?

The correct answer is littoral rights. Littoral rights specifically apply to property owners whose land borders large bodies of water, such as oceans, seas, or lakes. These rights grant the property owner the ability to access and use the water that is adjacent to their property, while also allowing them to maintain a reasonable use of the shoreline. Littoral rights are important for understanding how property owners can legally use coastal and lakefront properties, including activities like fishing, boating, or constructing docks.

In contrast, subjacent rights refer to the rights to the minerals and resources located beneath the land, which is not relevant to water access. Riparian rights pertain to properties that border rivers and streams, focusing more on flowing water rather than larger bodies of water; although they involve some access to water, they are not applicable to properties adjacent to lakes or oceans. Territorial rights are not a recognized legal concept in this context, hence not relevant in this situation.

Understanding littoral rights is crucial for real estate transactions involving waterfront properties, as they outline the legal parameters for usage and access to water resources.