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What Is an Easement in Gross?

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Easement in Gross vs. Easement Appurtenant

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Easement in Gross: Definition, Example, Vs. Easement Appurtenant

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An easement is a concept in real estate in which one party, either an individual or organization, gains the right to use another party’s property in a defined way. In some cases the holder of the easement pays the owner of the property for the right of usage; in others it is created by state or local law and attached to the property. Such an easement may exist in perpetuity and be transferred when the property is sold, encumbering the new owner .

An easement in gross, also known as a “personal easement,” attaches the right of use to a single individual or entity rather than to the property itself. It is a personal interest in another person’s land, usually limited in scope and duration. Its terms, including payment, are negotiated between the property owner and the easement holder. An easement in gross is often considered irrevocable for the life of the holder, but it is usually rendered void if the owner sells the property upon which the easement request was based.

Key Takeaways

• An easement in gross is a type of easement that is attached to an individual or entity and usually cannot be transferred.
• An easement in gross is different from an easement appurtenant, which is attached to a piece of property.
• An easement in gross is often granted to utility companies, allowing them to install public infrastructure on private land.
• If land is sold without disclosing its easements, the buyer can seek legal remedies for any lost value.

Understanding an Easement in Gross

A typical property easement grants limited access to someone who is not the owner of a piece of real property . For example, a property owner might need an easement to use a neighbor’s driveway in order to access their own land .

An easement in gross is an easement that is granted to an individual or entity that generally cannot transfer the associated rights to any other person. If the holder of an easement transfers their property to someone else—through sale, inheritance, or any other mechanism—the current easement in gross may be considered void.

The new property owner can attempt to reach a new easement-in-gross agreement, but there is no guarantee that the right will be granted.

Example of an Easement in Gross

One familiar example of an easement in gross is a utility easement. These are legal agreements that allow utility companies to install and maintain infrastructure on private property. Under the conditions of the easement, a homeowner is restricted from digging or construction activities that could damage the utilities.

The party who benefits from an easement in gross does not have to own or reside in a neighboring property to be granted the associated rights. Additionally, the permissions granted in the easement may be as broad or specific as desired. When dealing with easements in gross, the property owner often has the most say regarding the limitations stated in the easement.

Sellers may be required to disclose any easements against their property to prospective buyers.

Easements in gross grant specific rights or privileges to someone other than the property owner. In contrast, an easement appurtenant grants rights to the owner of a nearby parcel of property. The property that benefits from the easement is known as the “dominant estate,” while the property that allows the easement is known as the “servient estate.”

An easement appurtenant is said to “ run with the land ,” meaning that when the easement holder sells their property, the easement rights transfer to the new property owner. Common examples would include an easement that allows access to a public park or one that lets a neighbor cross another’s land in order to reach their own property.

Some easements, especially those given to utility companies, carry with them significant interest and can ultimately be assigned to other parties. If a piece of real estate is purchased without the seller disclosing the nature of an easement, the buyer can seek legal remedies if the easement reduces the value of the property.

How Can I Terminate an Easement?

An easement can be terminated in eight ways: abandonment, merger, end of necessity, demolition, recording act, condemnation, adverse possession, and release. Perhaps the simplest way to end an easement is to persuade the beneficiary to release or abandon their rights to the easement.

What Is a Conservation Easement?

A conservation easement limits the usage of private land in order to protect natural resources, such as an endangered species or ecosystem. Conservation easements are always easements in gross, in that they are not attached to a neighboring piece of land.

Who Is the Holder of an Easement in Gross?

The holder of an easement in gross is the person or entity that benefits from that easement. This type of easement generally cannot be transferred, although there are exceptions. For example, in a merger between two utility companies, the new company may inherit any easements belonging to its predecessors.

What Is the Difference Between an Easement in Gross and an Easement Appurtenant?

The main difference is that an easement in gross is not attached to a specific piece of property. Instead, it is granted by the owner of a property to a single individual or entity. That grant usually ends when the owner sells the property. In contrast, an easement appurtenant, because it is attached to land, continues in perpetuity when either parcel of land is sold.

An easement is a real estate concept that allows one entity, whether an individual or organization, to use another entity’s property in a stated way. Some easements come attached to a specific piece of property, with the dominant property holding the easement over the servient property. They are often created by law, though they are not the same as a government’s use of eminent domain, which seizes ownership of property .

An easement in gross is not attached to a property. Instead, it is granted to a single person or organization through negotiation with a property owner, usually coming at an economic price. Usually of limited scope and duration, it is generally terminated if the owner sells their property, rather than encumbering the new owner.

Rocket Mortgage. " What Are Easements, and How Might Having One Affect My Property? "

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Rocket Mortgage. " Utility Easements, Explained ."

Rocket Mortgage. " Easement Appurtenant: What It Means And How It Works ."

Wolff Law Office. " Claims Under a Title Insurance Policy in California for Damages Caused by an Undisclosed or Unexcepted Covenant or Easement Which Clouds Title ."

ALB Law Firm. " Setting the Law Straight on Terminating Easements ."

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. " Conservation Easements ."

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This page aims to help you complete an electronic Transfer of Easement in Gross dealing form. An easement in gross, is an easement which does not benefit land but rather benefits a statutory authority or a prescribed authority under section 88A Conveyancing Act 1919 . This form is used to transfer a statutory easement in gross from one prescribed authority to another. Refer to the following for:

• common forms of easement
• easements generally  and
• profit a prendre and forestry rights .

NOTE: Both the transferor and the transferee must be represented in the workspace for this dealing form.

Subscriber requirements

Before lodging this document electronically via an Electronic Lodgment Network, a Subscriber must:

• verify their Client’s identity
• establish their Client’s right to deal with the land
• have a properly completed and executed Client Authorisation form and
• ​retain evidence that supports the dealing ( see Supporting Evidence below ).

The Subscriber must also certify that they have taken reasonable steps to ensure that the instrument is correct and compliant with relevant law and any Prescribed Requirement. For more information on these requirements see: Residual Documents

Guide to complete

Legislation – section 47(5) Real Property Act 1900 . Stamp Duty – required. Notice of Sale – not required. Standard Form of Caveat – a caveat recorded against the easement will prevent the recording of a Transfer of Easement in Gross. A caveat will not prevent registration where the caveat is recorded against the land. Priority Notice Noted on the Register – see Priority Notice page for more information. The following headings refer to the data fields which must be completed in order to lodge an electronic Transfer of Easement in Gross dealing form. Land Title Enter the land title reference(s) affected by the easement in gross being transferred. Participant Details Party Details – Party Name Enter the transferor. The transferor must be identical to the name of the prescribed authority gaining the benefit from the easement as shown in the instrument creating the easement in gross.   Enter the transferee. The transferee must be a  prescribed authority under section 88A Conveyancing Act 1919. Document Create Document – Select Other Documents. Select Transfer of Easement in Gross. Transferee Select the transferee. Transferor Select the transferor. Consideration (optional) Consideration Type Select one of the following consideration types:

• With monetary consideration  - where a transfer involves payment of monies.
• Without monetary consideration and as regards a deed of partition  - where a transfer does not involve payment of monies and satisfies the conditions set out in a deed of partition.
• Without monetary consideration and as regards a deed of assignment  - where a transfer does not involve payment of monies and satisfies the conditions set out in a deed of assignment.
• Without monetary consideration and as regards a court order  - where a transfer does not involve payment of monies and satisfies the conditions set out in a Court Order.
• Without monetary consideration and as regards an intergenerational assignment  - where a transfer does not involve payment of monies and satisfies the conditions of an intergenerational assignment.
• Without monetary consideration and a change in manner of holding  - where a transfer does not involve payment of monies and alters the names, tenancy and/or shares of the registered proprietors.

Gross Consideration Amount Enter the consideration amount where the transfer is with monetary consideration. Consideration Details Enter the consideration details where the transfer is without monetary consideration. Easement in Gross Number Enter the number of the deposited plan or registered dealing which created the easement in gross. Description of Easement Enter the description of the easement as it appears on the deposited plan or in the registered dealing. Attachment Attachment Type – Caveator’s Consent Attach a caveator’s consent if required. Attachment Type – Minister’s Consent Minister’s consent must be attached where a Crown land restriction pursuant to section 102 Crown Lands Act 1989 is noted on the Register. The Crown Lands Act 1989 has been repealed, the former requirements of section 102 are reflected in sections 3.17, 3.26 and 3.27 Crown Land Management Act 2016 . Attachment Type - Supporting Evidence (optional) The written consent of a registered lessee or mortgagee of lease affecting the servient tenement is required in accordance with section 5.48 and with the exceptions set out in section 5.49 Crown Land Management Act 2016 . Attach any supporting evidence which may include the vesting chain or change of name evidence of a prescribed authority to justify a discrepancy between the original statutory easement and the transferor.

Supporting evidence

In addition to evidence supporting the steps taken by the Subscriber to verify the identity of their Client and establish their Client’s right to deal, the Subscriber may be required to retain other evidence to support the dealing. It is a matter for the Subscriber to be satisfied that they have met the requirements for the dealing. Please refer to the ARNECC Guidance Note 5 for assistance on retaining evidence to support conveyancing transactions in accordance with the NSW Participation Rules. All NSW legislation can be accessed at www.legislation.nsw.gov.au

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Easements In Gross Lawyer

Free 15 minute consultation, easement in gross: your questions answered.

In order to understand how an easement in gross is used, you need to define it legally. Doing so will enable you to better understand how it can affect the use of your real estate. The following questions and answers will also assist you in learning more about this type of easement.

An easement in gross gives a person the right to use the land of another person. He or she can use the land for as long as the other party owns the property or the holder of the easement is alive. For example, if the owner of a property sells an easement in gross to a friend who enjoys fishing on the owner’s pond, the friend can fish there until he or she dies or until the owner sells the real estate. An easement in gross may also be established by a utility company to run pipes over a piece of real estate. This non-possessory right makes it possible for an entity, such as a utility company, to run or maintain lines or pipes. Therefore, an easement in gross is a personal right to use another person’s real property, with limitations. By speaking to an easement attorney in San Diego, you can better clarify your easement rights.

Is An Easement In Gross The Same As An Easement Appurtenant?

An easement in gross is not the same as an easement appurtenant as each are distinguished by the properties that are involved and right-of-use. An easement appurtenant entails the use of two parcels of real estate. The parcel burdened by the easement is known as a servient estate. The parcel benefiting from the easement is known as a dominant estate. When the easement is attached to the land, it is called an easement appurtenant.

Conversely, an easement in gross only entails the use of a servient estate. As a result, a right is not attached to the land in question. Rather, a personal right, such as that of an individual or a utility, is noted instead. Therefore, an easement in gross is the personal right given to a person or entity to make limited use of real estate. You can receive more information about the differences by consulting with a San Diego easement lawyer.

Can An Easement In Gross Be Assigned?

From a traditional standpoint, an easement in gross cannot be assigned or transferred to another individual. For example, if you have an easement in gross to fish on someone’s property, you cannot assign that right to someone else. According to easement lawyers in San Diego, courts do not permit assignments for gross easements that are created for personal use.

However, the assignment may be recognized when it comes to commercial use. Therefore, a utility may be able to transfer an easement to a commercial enterprise where a merger is happening. If the easement is express, or in writing, and allows an assignment explicitly, normally the court will permit the assignment.

Who Does An Easement In Gross Benefit?

An easement in gross is created to benefit a company or person versus a parcel of land. That is why this type of easement is generally set up for public utility use.

Do Easements In Gross Have To Be Recorded?

Easements in gross do not have to be recorded, as they do not represent ownership rights. The easement may be formed by implication – meaning the creation of the easement is required for the use and enjoyment of a property. While recording the easement is not necessary, it should be documented to safeguard both parties to the agreement.

What Is The Best Way To Avoid Any Disputes?

Drawing up an easement agreement with a San Diego easement lawyer should be done to avoid disputes. Defining the duration and use of the easement should be established in writing.

What Are The Most Common Types Of Easements In Gross In The United States?

Utility company easements  represent the most common types of easements in gross in the US. A  utility easement  makes it possible for a utility company to service part of a property or maintain equipment needed to supply utility services.

Pipeline easements  are also considered common easements in gross. These kinds of easements permit pipeline companies to access buried sewer or water pipes, or service or renovate the pipes.

Another common type of easement in gross is a  land conservation easement . This type of easement prevents an owner from taking actions that would affect the conservation of the land, such as extracting minerals or cutting down trees.

What Is A Nonpossessory Right And How Does It Relate To An Easement In Gross

A non-possessory right defines an easement in gross as it permits someone to use the land of another party. Therefore, this right is one that is held by a person or entity other than the individual who holds title to the real estate. The easement in gross is a personal right that allows a person or entity, who does not possess a property, to use it. You can find out more about your rights in this respect by consulting with a California easement lawyer located in San Diego.

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Easement in Gross vs. Appurtenant

Easements are generally defined as the right to use another person’s land in a certain manner. Once an easement is established, either by express grant, prescription, estoppel or implication, one of two types of easements is created: an easement in gross or an easement appurtenant. The primary difference between these two types of easements is that an easement appurtenant is attached to a piece of land, while an easement in gross is attached to a particular individual or entity, such as a utility company.

Easement in Gross

These types of easements are typically given to a utility or oil and gas company for utility lines or pipelines. Easements in gross ordinarily are not transferable or assignable ( Drye v. Eagle Rock Ranch, Inc. , 364 S.W.2d 196, 203 (Tex.1963), unless there is specific language in the easement allowing for assignment. This language in the instrument that allows assignment usually states that “the terms, conditions and provisions of this contract shall extend to and be binding upon the grantee, his heirs, successors and assigns." An easement in gross gives the owner the sole privilege of the uses authorized by it, including the exclusion of the use by the subservient owner ( Orange County, Inc. v. Citgo Pipeline Co. , 934 S.W.2d 472, 476 (Tex. App.—Beaumont 1996, writ denied)). For example, you would not be able to interfere with an electric company’s right to run its lines above your property if it has an easement to do so.

Easement Appurtenant

Unlike easements in gross, an easement appurtenant usually “runs with the land,” meaning it may continue even if ownership of an estate is transferred. The instrument identifying this type of easement should identify a dominant and subservient estate. The dominant estate has the right to use the easement and the subservient estate is the estate that is allowing that use. Easements appurtenant are either positive or negative. A positive easement appurtenant gives the dominant landowner the right to some limited use of the subservient estate, such as to cross the subservient estate’s land to reach an access road. A negative easement appurtenant prohibits a certain activity, such as building an obstruction on the subservient estate.

Reviewing easements is important when purchasing a piece of property to determine who has limited rights to use your property and what uses you cannot interfere with. If you have any questions about different types of easements, particularly those identified in a survey , contact an experienced real estate attorney for advice. Easement law in Texas is complex and requires the necessary knowledge and skill in navigating the various types of easements.

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