What is an easement?

An easement is defined as an interest that grants the right to use a portion of someone else's property for a specific purpose without transferring ownership. This legal right allows the holder of the easement to benefit from the property, typically for access, utilities, or other uses, while the property itself remains in the ownership of another party. This is crucial in property law, as it establishes a clear distinction between ownership and use, allowing for various arrangements, such as allowing a neighbor to cross a property to access their own land or permitting utility companies to install infrastructure.

The other options, while potentially related to property concepts, do not accurately describe an easement. For instance, the notion of owning a portion of someone else's property does not fit the definition of an easement, as the concept does not involve any ownership transfer. Similarly, taxes pertain to property ownership and are unrelated to easements, and legal agreements for selling property refer to contracts rather than the usage rights provided by easements. Thus, the focus on the use of property rather than ownership accurately captures the essence of what an easement represents.