Direct answer
What does Easement mean?
A nonpossessory right to use another person's land for a stated purpose.
Exam cue: Separate the parcel benefited, the parcel burdened and the permitted use.
What does it look like in a question?
New York example
A recorded easement lets a neighbor cross a driveway to reach the street.
Common exam trap
What should you not confuse it with?
An easement is a use right, not ownership of the burdened land.
Related property rights and title terms
DeedA written instrument used to transfer an interest in real property.EncroachmentA physical improvement that crosses a property line or intrudes into another protected area.Fee simpleThe broadest private ownership estate, potentially lasting indefinitely and subject to government powers and private restrictions.FixtureAn item that began as personal property but is treated as part of the real property because of attachment, adaptation and intent.Joint tenancyConcurrent ownership that includes a right of survivorship when it is properly created.LienA claim or charge against property that can secure payment or performance.
Sources used2 references with section locators
The curriculum citation confirms exam scope. Definition and rule citations support the explanation itself. Links and locators were checked on August 26, 2026.
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