Appurtenant
In real estate, “appurtenant” refers to a legal term used to describe a right, privilege, or improvement that is attached to and belongs to a particular piece of real property. These appurtenances are typically considered to be part of the property and pass with the property when it is sold or transferred to a new owner.
Examples of appurtenant rights or improvements include easements, which grant the right to use someone else’s property for a specific purpose (such as access to a driveway or utility lines), and improvements such as fences, driveways, or outbuildings that are located on or serve a particular parcel of land.
Appurtenant rights are often documented in legal instruments such as deeds, easement agreements, or subdivision plats, which specify the nature and extent of the appurtenance and its relationship to the property to which it is attached. These documents ensure that the appurtenance is legally recognized and enforceable against subsequent owners of the property.
Understanding the appurtenant rights associated with a property is essential for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals involved in transactions, as they can have significant implications for the use, enjoyment, and value of the property.