What Is an Easement?
By JC Pacific Corp Published 2026-09-01 Last professionally reviewed: September 2026
An easement is a legal right to use another person's land for a specified purpose. Easements are commonly recorded and may appear in the preliminary title report.
What Are Common Types?
- Utility easements
- Access or driveway easements
- Drainage easements
- Conservation easements
- Public easements
- Other recorded easement rights
How Do Easements Affect Buyers?
An easement may affect:
- Use limits
- Maintenance duties
- Obstructions
- Expansion plans
- Resale effect
Frequently Asked Questions
Do easements reduce value?
An easement may affect use or value depending on its terms and location.
Can an easement be removed?
Possibly, but removal depends on the document, parties and applicable law.
Should I get a survey?
A survey can help identify physical easements and boundary matters and is separate from the title search and policy.
Ask for a copy of any easement document and discuss with your agent how it may affect your planned use.
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JC Pacific Corp is an Irvine-based Southern California brokerage helping buyers navigate offers, escrow, and financing. Tell us what you are looking for and we will point you to current options across the region.
A note on legal advice: These guides provide general, educational information about California real estate practice. They are not legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Mortgage information is general education, not individualized lending, tax or legal guidance. For advice about your specific offer, contract, closing or financing, consult a qualified California real estate attorney and a qualified mortgage professional.