Certified Residential Appraiser Practice Exam

What is an easement categorized as if it grants access over a neighbor's property?

1. Leased fee interest

2. Appurtenant easement

3. Licensing agreement

4. Leasehold interest

The correct answer is: Appurtenant easement

An easement that grants access over a neighbor's property falls under the category of an appurtenant easement. An appurtenant easement is a type of right that benefits one parcel of land (the dominant estate) by allowing access or use of another parcel (the servient estate). This relationship ensures that the easement is tied specifically to the properties involved, not merely to the owners or tenants of those properties. The key feature of an appurtenant easement is that it runs with the land, meaning when the dominant estate is sold or transferred, the easement rights automatically transfer to the new owner. This is particularly important for providing consistent access rights that enhance usability and value for the property that benefits from it. In contrast, other options like leased fee interest, licensing agreement, and leasehold interest do not describe easements primarily meant for access. A leased fee interest relates to ownership rights associated with leased property, a licensing agreement is a temporary permission to use property that can often be revoked, and leasehold interest pertains to the rights of a tenant under a lease contract. Each of these serves different functional legal roles that do not align with the enduring nature and right of access characterized by an appurtenant easement.