Easement
Direct definition
A legal right that lets someone use part of your property for a specific purpose.
Written by the Vabasso Mortgage Editorial Team · Reviewed against agency and federal sources · Read our editorial policy for how we research and review mortgage content
Plain-English explanation
Common easements include utility lines, driveways shared with neighbors, and drainage. Easements typically stay with the land regardless of ownership changes.
Why it matters
Easements can affect what you can build and how you use the property.
Where you may see it
- Title commitment
- Survey
- County records
A real-world example
An electric utility has an easement to run overhead lines across the back of your lot; you can't build over it.
Educational and illustrative only
A common misunderstanding
An easement doesn't transfer ownership of the land — it only grants someone else a specific right to use part of it.
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This glossary provides general educational information. Mortgage terminology, qualification methods, forms, timelines, fees, program rules, and legal meanings may vary by lender, investor, loan program, property, occupancy, state, and transaction. Definitions do not represent loan approval, legal advice, tax advice, or a commitment to lend.
- Author
- Vabasso Mortgage Editorial Team
- Reviewed by
- Vabasso Mortgage Licensed Advisory Team
- Last reviewed
- July 30, 2026