What is the estate that benefits from an easement?

The estate that benefits from an easement is referred to as the dominant estate. An easement is a legal right to use someone else's land for a specific purpose, and the land that has the easement placed upon it is known as the servient estate. The dominant estate is the parcel of land that derives benefit from this arrangement.

For example, if a property owner has an easement that allows them to cross a neighbor's property to access their own land, the owner of the property with the easement is the dominant estate holder, while the neighbor's property, which is being crossed, is the servient estate. This designation is crucial for establishing the rights and obligations of both parties involved in the easement agreement. Understanding this distinction helps clarify the roles of each estate within real estate law.