What is an easement in real estate?

An easement in real estate refers to a legal right that allows an individual or entity to use another person's land for a specific purpose. This can include various uses, such as allowing someone to pass through a property (a right-of-way easement) or providing access to utilities (like power lines or water pipes) that benefit a neighboring property. The key aspects of an easement are that it does not transfer ownership of the land, but rather grants permission for a particular use, and it is typically recorded in public records to ensure its enforceability.

The other choices do not accurately describe an easement: transferring property ownership is related to deeds, a type of lease agreement pertains to rental arrangements, and a restriction on property usage typically involves zoning laws or covenants, rather than granting the right to use the land for specific purposes. Therefore, understanding the nature of an easement clarifies its role in real estate law and property rights.