What is an easement?

An easement is fundamentally defined as a right enjoyed by one landowner over another's property for specific purposes, which aligns perfectly with the correct answer. This legal agreement allows the holder of the easement to use or access a portion of someone else's property for a designated purpose, such as allowing utility companies to install power lines or providing access to a landlocked parcel of land.

In essence, an easement does not grant ownership of the land but rather a limited right to use it. This means that the property owner still retains ownership rights, but they must allow the easement holder to carry out specific activities. The specifics of the easement, including its purpose, duration, and any restrictions, are usually delineated in a formal agreement.

The other choices do not accurately capture the nature of an easement. Possessing another’s property implies ownership and control, which is not the case with easements. Similarly, a method of property transfer would refer more to processes such as sales or conveyances, rather than a right of usage. Lastly, temporary use of property might suggest a fleeting occupancy, while an easement typically confers a more enduring right, not limited to a temporary arrangement.