What Is an Easement on a Property?

An easement is a legal right that gives one person or entity the right to use another person's land for a specific purpose. The owner retains ownership but must allow the easement holder to use it in the specified way. Easements can significantly affect property value, development potential, and the owner's use of their land.

Common Types

Utility easements — the most common. Allow utilities to run lines, pipes, and cables across private property. Typically prohibit permanent structures in the easement area.

Right-of-way easements — allow one property owner to cross another's land to reach their own property.

Conservation easements — restrict development to preserve natural features, agricultural use, or historical character.

Drainage easements — allow water to flow across a property through a designated corridor.

How Easements Are Created

By express grant in a recorded written document, by reservation when a seller conveys property but reserves an easement, by prescription when someone uses another's property openly and continuously for the statutory period, or by necessity when property is landlocked.