Question for people in the propane industry

[Deeper Texan]

Not sure about the regulations in your area. Here "we" own the tank. There are some exceptions where commercial property owners will "lease" the tanks. Service is provided on an "as needed" basis. Propane can be transferred from one tank to another, with little or no issues. You will have to hook up a pump, because once the pressure in the two tanks equalize, direct transfer stops.
If the propane company truly owns the tank, you can have someone come out and transfer the propane to either smaller portable tanks, or buy another larger tank, and have it transferred into that one (providing, individual ownership is permitted)

One thing to think about also, is that all tanks need to be inspected, and every (5?) years be hydrostatically tested. This insures that the tanks can hold the pressure, and can prevent catastrophic failure.

Check with your county/city government to find out the regulations in your area.

Good Luck.

 

[Flamingo21]

Then I guess keeping the trees is hardly doable in the long run.

 

[two fingers]

Here's the thing. At some point, somebody signed a contract on this tank.

The only question is this. Are you bound by that contract as the current owner if the house?

If you are, you're hosed. If you're not, they can pound sand until you use the gas.

I don't know the answer to the question. But everything else is speculation. Focus on that.

Find out from the gas company what kind of contract was signed. Find out the details. Find out if they (according to that contract) are legally allowed to reposses the tank with gas still in it if payments are not made. Fond out if the contract is automatically transferred to the new owner of the property.

My gut says that you're in a pretty good position to at least keep/use the gas because YOU didn't sign any contract with the company. But that's just a hunch. I'm not an attorney.

You need to see the contract.

 

[turf3]

Yes, the plan is to use the full tank to run the house once it’s occupied in a month or so. The problem is that the company that apparently owns the tank itself wants it back now, so I don’t think I have time to use it all up before they start trying to repossess the tank.

Do they have proof that they own the tank? Does it say something like "Property of ABC Company" or is it just your word against theirs on ownership of an unidentified tank?

 

[S-Bigbottom]

I am surprised no one has done a song parody with this.

This is better.

 

[5StringBlues]

Wow. You still look the same as when you were a young boy

This is better.

 

[bobba66]

I'm thinking a rifle and some tracer ammunition would clear up this whole misunderstanding.

 

[turf3]

I'm thinking a rifle and some tracer ammunition would clear up this whole misunderstanding.

Oh, so you read that Willie Nelson profile, did you?

"Look bud, you really don't want to be the guy that killed Willie Nelson, not in Texas you don't..."

 

[bolophonic]

Ok, I called around until I found the right person to talk to and we worked out an arrangement for them to collect the tank when it’s empty. But man.... I honestly feel like that driver would have driven off with my tank if I hadn’t been there with my game face on that day.

 

[MJ5150]

Our man @bolophonic is the opposite of Lowner. He always comes back to update the threads he starts.
Thanks buddy for the update.

-Mike

 

[Winslow]

Whenever the day comes for them to pick it up, I think they should be required to charter a helicopter to airlift it out, so as not to harm the forested part of your land.


Not even kidding all that much.

 

[Old Fart]

Deeper Texan knows some stuff.

If possible, in my view it is better to own the tank rather than lease it. That way, you can buy your propane from anybody. At less than "bend over" pricing.

And yeah, I think removing the tank without damaging the property is arguably their problem, not yours.

 

[MJ5150]

Around these parts, the propane is discounted deeply when you lease your tank. We did the math, even buying our own tank, it still made sense for us to lease the tank.

-Mike

 

[Flamingo21]

On the topic of them having to retrieve their tank without disturbing your trees: I'm guessing they have a clause in the contract making this your problem. Might be worth looking into.

Other than that, kudos for reaching a workable solution, OP!

 

[Jeff K]

I am surprised no one has done a song parody with this.