Property easements are pieces of land running through one person’s property that another specified party can legally use. For example, your land may have an easement the utility company can use to access power lines. A land surveying company can help determine if your property has an easement running through it, though that’s something the previous landowner should inform you about in the first place.
Read on if you’re interested in learning more about property easements and how they can affect your living situation.
The different types of property easements
The different types of property easements include utility easements, private easements and easements by necessity. Utility easements, as mentioned above, allow utility companies access to the property for utility work. This might include maintaining and repairing power lines.
Private easements allow a neighbor access to one’s property for a specific use, which might include using the land to access a sewer line. Before purchasing a piece of land, it’s best to ask about the exact location of any easements and how neighbors can use them. Accidentally blocking or interfering with a private easement could result in legal problems and bad blood between neighbors.
If a neighbor needs to use someone’s land to access their home from the road, this would be considered an easement by necessity. If a landowner requires the use of your land to access their property, there’s no need for written proof of an easement.
Is there an easement on my property?
Easements should appear on the title of your property, usually under Schedule B Section II. If you’re having trouble finding information about land easements on your property, visit the recorder of deeds office, where records of easements are typically kept. You could also contact your local utility company or a land surveying company.
Finding the exact location of an easement
If you’re unsure of the exact location of an easement on your property, it’s best to contact a land surveying company. This is especially important if your feel like someone is trespassing on your property. Having a professional conduct a land survey could prevent a long and annoying legal battle. If you do end up having a dispute with your neighbor over an easement, consider contacting a good real estate attorney.
How long do easements typically last?
The duration of an easement can depend on where you live and the circumstances surrounding the easement. Some easements can last an indefinite amount of time while others only last about two decades. An easement can end when a property owner and easement owner come to an agreement. Other potential reasons for the ending of an easement include property mergers and loss of land from erosion.
Let us conduct a land survey
If you’re unsure as to whether your property has an easement or not, contact the experts at D.G. Smyth & Co., Inc. One of our experienced land surveyors will examine past property records to see if there’s an easement running through your property. If your property does have an easement, we can quickly and easily find its exact location.