What is an easement?

An easement is defined as a legal right to access or use another person's land for a specific purpose. This means that it grants an individual or entity permission to cross or utilize the land owned by someone else, typically for utilities, pathways, or other defined needs. Easements are important in property law because they establish certain rights that can be exercised over another's property without transferring ownership.

This legal right is usually documented in a written agreement and can be permanent or temporary, depending on the terms set forth. Easements can exist for various purposes, such as allowing utility companies to install and maintain infrastructure or granting access to a landlocked property.

The other options do not accurately describe an easement. A promise to do something does not encompass the specific legal rights associated with land access. A type of property ownership refers to the full, legal title to land, which differs significantly from an easement. Lastly, a restriction on the use of land implies limitations on what can be done with a property, rather than what can be accessed or utilized by others, which is the essence of an easement.