The primary function of an easement appurtenant is to benefit the owner of the dominant estate. An easement appurtenant is a legal right that allows the holder (owner of the dominant estate) to use a specific portion of another person's land (the servient estate) for a specific purpose, such as access to a road, utilities, or a pathway. This easement is tied to the land itself and passes with the title whenever the dominant estate is sold or transferred.
The benefit to the dominant estate can be significant, as it may enhance the usability or value of that property by providing necessary access or services that would otherwise be unavailable. This relationship is essential in real estate because it ensures that the dominant estate can fully utilize its rights without infringing upon the rights of the servient estate, which must tolerate the easement.
In this context, while it could be argued that easements might restrict how the servient estate can be used, the primary focus is on the benefit conferred to the dominant estate owner. The options related to increasing the value of the servient estate or providing temporary access do not define the enduring and beneficial nature of easements appurtenant.