Easement in Gross: Definition, Example, Vs. Easement Appurtenant

What Is an Easement in Gross?

An easement is a concept in real estate in which one party, either an individual or organization, gains the right to use another party’s property in a defined way. In some cases the holder of the easement pays the owner of the property for the right of usage; in others it is created by state or local law and attached to the property. Such an easement may exist in perpetuity and be transferred when the property is sold, encumbering the new owner.

An easement in gross, also known as a “personal easement,” attaches the right of use to a single individual or entity rather than to the property itself. It is a personal interest in another person’s land, usually limited in scope and duration. Its terms, including payment, are negotiated between the property owner and the easement holder. An easement in gross is often considered irrevocable for the life of the holder, but it is usually rendered void if the owner sells the property upon which the easement request was based.

Understanding an Easement in Gross

A typical property easement grants limited access to someone who is not the owner of a piece of real property. For example, a property owner might need an easement to use a neighbor’s driveway in order to access their own land.

An easement in gross is an easement that is granted to an individual or entity who generally cannot transfer the associated rights to any other person. If the holder of an easement transfers their property to someone else—through sale, inheritance, or any other mechanism—the current easement in gross may be considered void.

The new property owner can attempt to reach a new easement-in-gross agreement, but there is no guarantee that the right will be granted.

Example of an Easement in Gross

One familiar example of an easement in gross is a utility easement. These are legal agreements that allow utility companies to install and maintain infrastructure on private property. Under the conditions of the easement, a homeowner is restricted from digging or construction activities that could damage the utilities.

The party who benefits from an easement in gross does not have to own or reside in a neighboring property to be granted the associated rights. Additionally, the permissions granted in the easement may be as broad or specific as desired. When dealing with easements in gross, the property owner often has the most say regarding the limitations stated in the easement.

Easement in Gross vs. Easement Appurtenant

Easements in gross grant specific rights or privileges to someone other than the property owner. In contrast, an easement appurtenant grants rights to the owner of a nearby parcel of property. The property that benefits from the easement is known as the “dominant estate,” while the property that allows the easement is known as the “servient estate.”

An easement appurtenant is said to “run with the land,” meaning that when the easement holder sells their property, the easement rights transfer to the new property owner. Common examples would include an easement that allows access to a public park or one that lets a neighbor cross another’s land in order to reach their own property.

Some easements, especially those given to utility companies, carry with them significant interest and can ultimately be assigned to other parties. If a piece of real estate is purchased without the seller disclosing the nature of an easement, the buyer can seek legal remedies if the easement reduces the value of the property.

The Bottom Line

An easement is a real estate concept that allows one entity, whether an individual or organization, to use another entity’s property in a stated way. Some easements come attached to a specific piece of property, with the dominant property holding the easement over the servient property. They are often created by law, though they are not the same as a government’s use of eminent domain, which seizes ownership of property.

An easement in gross is not attached to a property. Instead, it is granted to a single person or organization through negotiation with a property owner, usually coming at an economic price. Usually of limited scope and duration, it is generally terminated if the owner sells their property, rather than encumbering the new owner.