In gross: benefits a PERSON/company (utility lines) — no dominant parcel
Before you read
Test yourself first: 5 questions
Question 1 of 5
Which type of easement benefits a person or company rather than a parcel of land, and is commonly held by utility companies?
Answer: A. An easement in gross benefits a person or entity (such as a utility company) and has no dominant tenement; commercial easements in gross are typically assignable.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following is an encumbrance on a property?
Answer: A. An encumbrance is any claim or restriction that affects title or use — liens (mortgage, tax), easements, and deed restrictions all qualify.
Question 3 of 5
A neighbor has openly and continuously crossed an owner's land along the same path for the statutory period without permission. The neighbor may acquire:
Answer: C. An easement by prescription is acquired through open, notorious, continuous, and hostile (non-permissive) use over the statutory period, similar in concept to adverse possession but granting a use right rather than title.
Question 4 of 5
Which covenant in a general warranty deed assures the grantee that the property is free from liens or encumbrances except those specifically stated?
Answer: B. The covenant against encumbrances warrants that there are no undisclosed liens, easements, or other encumbrances against the property beyond those expressly noted.
Question 5 of 5
A survey shows the seller's garage crosses onto the neighbor's lot. The agent should:
Answer: A. An encroachment is a material title/boundary issue and must be disclosed so the buyer can evaluate it.
Keep the streak going with more questions like these, each with a full rationale.
Must-know rules
- Appurtenant: benefits a NEIGHBORING parcel — runs with the land (dominant + servient tenement)
- In gross: benefits a PERSON/company (utility lines) — no dominant parcel
- By necessity: landlocked parcel gets access
- By prescription: open, notorious, hostile, continuous use for the statutory period
- Terminate: merger, release, abandonment, purpose ends
Easements — Who Can Cross Your Land: FAQs
Is Easements — Who Can Cross Your Land on the real estate exam?
Yes. Property Ownership & Land Use is a scored domain on the real estate licensing exam, and this topic appears in the national portion.
Is this cheat sheet free?
Yes — every page on Cinna RE's resource library is free to read, print and share. The app adds practice questions, mock exams and a readiness score.
