Easement

An easement is a legal right that lets someone use a portion of a property they do not own for a specific purpose. Common examples include a utility company's right to run and service power or water lines across a yard, a neighbor's right to cross a shared driveway, or an access path to a landlocked parcel. Easements usually stay with the land, meaning they carry over to future owners rather than ending when the property sells. They are typically recorded in the deed or land records and can also show up on a property survey. An easement does not transfer ownership, but it can limit what you build or place in that area. It is worth understanding any easements before you buy, since they affect how you can use and improve the land.