What Is An Easement?
An easement is considered a "non-possessory" interest in another's land. Easements give an individual or company the right to use some of your land for designated purposes. When an easement is in place, neither of the involved parties can change the terms of that easement without the consent of the other.
It is important to outline an easement in the property deed. However, disagreements about easements are not uncommon. This can result in inconvenient disputes and lengthy lawsuits.
The Different Types of Easements Recognized in Tennessee
Easements generally fall into one of two categories:
- Easements Appurtenant - Benefits a specified parcel of land
- Easements in Gross - Benefits the individual holder of the easement
Within these broad categories, Tennessee law allows easements to be created in several ways.
The different types of easements in Tennessee include:
What Is a Public Easement?
Public easements were primarily created to benefit the public. Usually, in this case, the easement holder is a utility company or local government. Designated use for the land could be sidewalks, roadways, parks, or waterlines.
What Is a Private Easement?
Private easements involve and benefit private parties. This could be a property owner who has a driveway or fence line that stretches onto your land.
What Is an Express Easement?
An easement becomes a permanent part of the deed after the two parties put it in writing. Sometimes the agreement is temporary. Otherwise, the easement usually travels along with the sale of the property.
What Is an Implied Easement?
There are two types of implied easements. The court will consider easement by necessity, which means a part of the property is landlocked, therefore the use is valid. Easement by prior use means just like it sounds: A property owner can gain the right to an easement if they openly used the land for a long period of time.
Let Murfree, Goodman & Rosado, PLLC Help You With Easements
Real estate easements can get very complex. Property owners are not always aware of the details, and sometimes they are not even aware of an easement’s existence. Creating easements agreements can be complicated as well. It’s important for both the buyer and the seller that all the details make it into the deed.
Give Murfree, Goodman & Rosado, PLLC a call today by dialing (615) 895-7000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our seasoned real estate lawyers.