Which statement describes an easement in gross?

Which statement describes an easement in gross?

• A. Benefits a specific parcel
• B. Runs with the land and benefits a specific parcel
• C. Benefits a person or entity not tied to a parcel
• D. Requires ownership of both properties

Answer: (C)

An easement in gross is a right that benefits a person or organization rather than a specific piece of land. Because the benefit isn’t tied to any particular parcel, it doesn’t run with the land and isn’t attached to ownership of a particular property. A utility company’s right to run power lines over or under someone’s property is a common example—it's a benefit to the company, not to any parcel. This is what makes the correct description: the easement benefits a person or entity not tied to a parcel. In contrast, an easement that benefits a specific parcel and runs with the land is an easement in gross attached to the land but benefiting the parcel (an appurtenant easement). The idea that it runs with the land and benefits a specific parcel describes appurtenant easement, not in gross. And requiring ownership of both properties isn’t how an easement is defined; it’s a right granted to benefit a party, which can exist without both properties being owned by the same person.

An easement in gross is a right that benefits a person or organization rather than a specific piece of land. Because the benefit isn’t tied to any particular parcel, it doesn’t run with the land and isn’t attached to ownership of a particular property. A utility company’s right to run power lines over or under someone’s property is a common example—it's a benefit to the company, not to any parcel.

This is what makes the correct description: the easement benefits a person or entity not tied to a parcel. In contrast, an easement that benefits a specific parcel and runs with the land is an easement in gross attached to the land but benefiting the parcel (an appurtenant easement). The idea that it runs with the land and benefits a specific parcel describes appurtenant easement, not in gross. And requiring ownership of both properties isn’t how an easement is defined; it’s a right granted to benefit a party, which can exist without both properties being owned by the same person.