Massachusetts Real Estate License Practice Test

Which of the following best describes a negative easement?

1. Guarantees access to another's property

2. Restricts access to a property

3. Permits partial use of a property

4. Allows unrestricted access to all parties

The correct answer is: Restricts access to a property

A negative easement is a legal right that prevents a property owner from using their land in a way that would adversely affect a neighboring property owner's interest. Specifically, it restricts certain uses of land to protect the rights of adjacent property owners, meaning a negative easement can be used to stop someone from blocking light, air, or an essential view that another property enjoys. This definition aligns well with the correct choice, as it highlights the primary characteristic of a negative easement: the imposition of restrictions on the use of property to protect the interests of others. The other options do not capture the essence of what a negative easement entails; they either suggest an allowance of access or usage rather than restriction or do not reflect the fundamental nature of this legal concept.