What does an easement entitle a person to do?

An easement is a legal right that allows an individual or entity to use someone else's land for a specific, limited purpose, without owning or possessing it. This right can apply to various uses, such as allowing access for utility lines, pathways, or drainage. The key aspect of an easement is that it confers a use right while maintaining the landowner's ownership of the property.

The distinction between an easement and other rights, such as possession or ownership, is crucial. Possession implies control over the property, which an easement does not grant; it merely permits usage under defined terms. Similarly, an easement does not allow the holder to acquire ownership of the land or the right to sell it to a third party. The easement holder is restricted to the specified use outlined in the easement agreement, reinforcing the notion that this right is clearly defined and limited.