What is an easement?

An easement is defined as a right of access onto, over, under, or across real property. This means that it allows a person or a group to use a portion of someone else's property for a specific purpose without transferring ownership of the property. Easements are commonly used for things like utility lines, pathways, or access roads, and they are legally recognized rights that can be established through various means, including written agreements or by necessity.

Understanding easements is crucial in property law, as they establish the rights related to land use and can have significant implications for property owners. While the options related to ownership claims, property restrictions, and zoning laws all pertain to real property law, they do not define an easement, which specifically pertains to the right of access rather than ownership or regulatory framework.