Vermont Easement or Right of Way for Access to Property In Vermont, an easement or right of way is a legal agreement that grants someone the right to use another person's property for a specific purpose, usually for access. This allows individuals to gain ingress and egress to their land when it is otherwise landlocked or inaccessible. Easements can be crucial in ensuring property owners have convenient and practical access to their land. Different Types of Vermont Easement or Right of Way for Access to Property: 1. Appurtenant Easement: This type of easement is attached to the ownership of a specific property. It provides the property owner with the right to access their land through a neighboring property. Appurtenant easements are transferred when the property is sold, ensuring uninterrupted access for future owners. 2. Easement by Necessity: When a landlocked property lacks any reasonable access to a public road or thoroughfare, an easement by necessity can be granted. Vermont's law recognizes the fundamental right of every property owner to have ingress and egress to their land. This type of easement is usually imposed by a court to ensure that owners do not become isolated. 3. Easement by Prescription: Also known as prescriptive easements, these are acquired through uninterrupted, open, and notorious use of another person's property over a long period. In Vermont, this typically requires a continuous and visible use of at least 15 years, without the owner's permission. If these conditions are met, the person using the land may be granted a legal easement. 4. Private Easement: This type of easement is created through a voluntary agreement between property owners. It allows one party to access another's property for a specific purpose, which can be outlined in a formal contract or deed. Private easements are usually negotiated and can involve conditions, such as maintenance responsibilities or restrictions on use. 5. Public Easement: These easements are granted by a property owner to a governmental entity, such as a municipality or the state, for public use. Public easements are often established for purposes like roadways, utility lines, or public trails. The government entity typically maintains and controls these easements for the benefit of the public. In Vermont, easements and rights of way are essential legal tools that ensure property owners have proper access to their land. They can be created through voluntary agreements, necessity, or by meeting specific legal requirements. Understanding the different types of easements can help property owners navigate their rights and obligations while guaranteeing access to their property.