What is an essential characteristic of easements?

An essential characteristic of easements is that they run with the land. This means that when an easement is established on a property, it is tied to the land itself rather than to the individual owner. Consequently, the easement remains in effect even if the property is sold or transferred to a new owner. This characteristic ensures that the rights granted by the easement persist and are honored by subsequent owners, thereby providing a level of stability and predictability in property use.

In contrast, easements cannot be created solely through verbal agreements because they typically require a written document to be legally enforceable. They are not necessarily temporary; many easements are permanent or last for a specific duration, depending on the terms established. Furthermore, easements are not always revocable; many types, such as appurtenant easements, are typically permanent and can only be terminated through specific legal processes. This uniqueness of easements running with the land is fundamental to understanding their role in property rights and real estate law.