property
easement in gross
An easement in gross is a right to use another person's land that benefits a person or company rather than a neighboring parcel. Because there is no dominant tenement, only a servient tenement is involved. Commercial easements in gross, such as those held by utility, pipeline, and railroad companies, are usually transferable, while personal easements in gross typically end when the holder dies or sells.
- Exam tip
- If the question involves a utility company or no adjoining benefited parcel, think easement in gross. An easement appurtenant always has both a dominant and a servient tenement.
- Example
- An electric company holds a 20-foot-wide easement across a homeowner's backyard to run power lines; it benefits the company, not a neighbor's lot.
Related terms & state variants
Sources
Source verification pending. Confirm current requirements with your state regulator.
Last verified: 2026-10-23