Do I have rights regarding an easement that is incorrectly described?

Full question:

I OWN PROPERTY THAT IS TOO STEEP TO DRIVE UP ON NORTH SIDE (200' ELEVATON CHANGE).THE OTHER SIDE(SOUTH) ABUTS A PARCEL THAT'S DEED STATES THERE IS AN EASEMENT TO MY PROPERTY ALONG ITS SOUTH SIDE. tHE PROBLEM IS THAT THE DESCRIPTION OF WHERE THE EASEMENT IS LOCATED ON THEIR DEED(IE ALONG THE SOUTH LINE) MAKES IT PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO GET TO MY PROPERTY WHICH ABUTS AT THE NORTH SIDE OF THEIR PROPERTY/SOUTH SIDE OF MINE. tHE EASEMENT SHOULD'VE READ ALONG THE EAST LINE OR FROM THE SOUTH LINE... DO I HAVE ANY RIGHTS?

  • Category: Real Property
  • Subcategory: Easements
  • Date:
  • State: Ohio

Answer:

The rights related to an easement depend on the specific deeds and contracts involved. Generally, an easement allows access to travel over another's land, and this right cannot be blocked without valid reasons for termination. If your easement was legally established, it should be recorded to protect your rights.

If the easement description is a clerical error, you may be able to file for a correction. If the blockage is not due to the other party's fault, you might need to renegotiate the terms of the easement.

Once created, the easement owner is responsible for maintaining it unless otherwise agreed. Repairs and improvements can be made as long as they do not interfere with the easement's use.

Easements can be classified as either easements in gross (personal rights) or appurtenant easements (attached to the property). Appurtenant easements are more permanent and transfer with the property when sold.

To terminate an easement, certain conditions must occur, such as the easement's purpose no longer existing, merging ownership, or abandonment. Misuse of an easement typically does not terminate it but may lead to legal claims.

Legal action may be necessary to clarify the easement's scope and rights.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Yes, there is a difference. An easement is a legal right to use someone else's land for a specific purpose, while a right of way is a type of easement that specifically allows passage over another's property. In essence, all rights of way are easements, but not all easements are rights of way. Both can be established through deeds or agreements and can be subject to specific terms and conditions.