Massachusetts Real Estate License Practice Test

What type of easement allows access to a property?

1. Negative Easement

2. Affirmative Easement

3. Property Easement

4. Exclusive Easement

The correct answer is: Affirmative Easement

An affirmative easement allows one party the right to use another party's land for a specified purpose, which often includes access to their property. This type of easement is important in real estate because it serves a practical function—enabling individuals to reach their property when it might otherwise be landlocked or difficult to access. For instance, if someone owns a plot of land that cannot be accessed directly from a road because of neighboring properties, they may obtain an affirmative easement allowing them to cross a neighbor’s land to reach the road. This legal right is crucial for ensuring that the property remains usable and that the landowner can fulfill their property rights. In contrast, a negative easement restricts a property owner from performing certain activities on their land that could otherwise interfere with the rights of another. A property easement is not a formal legal term typically recognized in real estate, and an exclusive easement conveys the right to use the property exclusively, which may not necessarily include access. Thus, the focus on rights and usage defines why affirmative easements are central to property accessibility.