What does "easement" refer to in property law?

An easement in property law is defined as a legal right that grants an individual or entity the ability to use a portion of someone else's land for a specific purpose. This may include rights of way for utilities, access roads, or pathways for pedestrian traffic. The easement does not transfer ownership of the land but allows for the designated usage that is typically agreed upon by both parties involved.

For instance, if a utility company requires a pathway to install power lines, an easement would legally allow them to access the necessary land without owning it. This concept is crucial in property law as it balances the rights of landowners with the needs of others who may require access to their property for legitimate purposes.

The other options represent concepts that do not accurately capture the essence of what an easement is. Selling a property entails different legal rights, title insurance coverage relates to protection against title defects, and restrictions on property use pertain to zoning laws or covenants, which are distinct from the rights granted by an easement.