What Is a Property Easement? Types, Legal Rights and Implications for Landowners
A property easement is a legal right that allows a person, property owner, utility provider or organisation to use part of another property for a specific purpose. Easements are commonly established to provide access, support essential services or protect infrastructure. Although the land remains owned by the property owner, the easement may limit how that portion of the land can be used. Understanding a property easement is important when purchasing land, planning construction, developing a subdivision or making changes to an existing property. A professional surveyor can help identify easement locations, review relevant property documents and explain how they may affect proposed development. How Does a Property Easement Work? A property easement generally benefits one property or party while affecting another. The property that receives the benefit is commonly referred to as the dominant tenement , while the property carrying the easement is known as the servient tenement . Fo...