What is a legal definition of "easement"?

The concept of an "easement" refers to a legal right that allows an individual to use another person's land for a specific purpose without having ownership or possession of that land. This definition captures the essence of how easements function in property law, where one party may need access to a portion of another's property for purposes such as utility installation, access to a roadway, or the right to cross land.

Easements are distinct from ownership claims or rental agreements because they do not grant possession or the ability to exclude others from the land. Instead, they create a permitted use situation that can benefit the easement holder while still recognizing the landowner's rights.

Understanding easements is crucial for real estate professionals, as they can significantly impact property values, usability, and legal issues related to property transactions.