ABSTRACT
An easement is the right of one landowner to use the land of another without actually taking possession of it. Examples are more useful than a definition. The most common easements include a right of way – a right to cross another’s land, perhaps on foot, perhaps in a vehicle – and wayleave – a right to bring electricity or other cables over or under his land. An easement of drainage gives the right to run sewers or soil pipes under neighbouring land, and there are various rights of water – for example, a right to bring water through pipes under a neighbour’s land. An easement of support entitles the owner of a semi-detached or terraced house, or an upstairs flat or office, to have his building supported by the adjoining buildings. Rights of light prevent a person from building on his own land if that would make his neighbour’s house too dark.
