<--Back to Wiki Home
Define Dominant Tenement in Real Estate
Dominant Tenement:
A "dominant tenement" is another term used in real estate that refers to the property that benefits from an easement over another property. Just like a "dominant estate," the dominant tenement enjoys a specific right or privilege to use a portion of the neighboring property, called the servient tenement, for a particular purpose.
Example:
For example, let's say your house is located behind another house, and the only way to reach the street is by using a driveway that goes through your neighbor's property. In this case, your property would be the dominant tenement because it benefits from the easement that allows you to use your neighbor's driveway. Your neighbor's property would be the servient tenement.
"A Deep Dive for Real Estate Agents and Appraisers"
Here are a few more points of contrast between servient tenement and dominant tenement:
Nature of the relationship: The relationship between a servient tenement and a dominant tenement is one of mutual dependence. The servient tenement is burdened with the easement, while the dominant tenement benefits from it. Without the servient tenement, the dominant tenement would not be able to use the easement.
Rights and responsibilities: The owner of a servient tenement has a responsibility to allow the owner of the dominant tenement to use the easement in the way it was intended. They must ensure that the easement is not obstructed or interfered with. The owner of the dominant tenement, on the other hand, has the right to use the easement for the specific purpose it was granted.
Transfer of ownership: When a servient tenement is sold or transferred to a new owner, the easement burden remains with the property. This means that the new owner of the servient tenement is still responsible for allowing the owner of the dominant tenement to use the easement. The same applies to the transfer of ownership of a dominant tenement - the easement right is transferred along with the property.
Termination of easement: An easement may be terminated if the dominant tenement no longer needs it or if the servient tenement is sold to someone who does not need the easement. Additionally, an easement may be terminated by a court order if the owner of the servient tenement can prove that the easement is no longer necessary or is causing undue hardship.
Overall, the relationship between a servient tenement and a dominant tenement is one of interdependence. The servient tenement is burdened with the easement, but the dominant tenement benefits from it. It's important for both parties to understand their rights and responsibilities to ensure that the easement is used effectively and fairly.
A few additional things you might find helpful to know about servient tenements and dominant tenements:
Types of easements: There are two main types of easements that can create a servient tenement/dominant tenement relationship. An easement appurtenant is an easement that benefits a particular property, while an easement in gross is an easement that benefits a particular individual or entity.
Scope of the easement: The scope of the easement defines the specific purpose for which the dominant tenement may use the servient tenement. For example, an easement may be granted to allow the owner of the dominant tenement to access a road, use a utility line, or cross over a piece of land.
Maintenance: The owner of the servient tenement is typically responsible for maintaining the property subject to the easement, including any improvements that are necessary to facilitate the use of the easement. However, the owner of the dominant tenement may be responsible for maintaining any improvements they make to the servient tenement.
Encroachments: An encroachment occurs when a structure or object belonging to the owner of the dominant tenement intrudes on the servient tenement beyond the scope of the easement. If this happens, the owner of the servient tenement may have the right to remove the encroachment or seek damages.
Understanding the concept of servient tenements and dominant tenements is an important as it can impact property values, access, and use. It's important to be familiar with the terms and to know when to consult an attorney if there are any disputes or questions regarding easements or property rights.
"Wit & Whimsy with the Dumb Ox: Unlocking Knowledge with Rhyme:"
In a land of houses near and far,
Sometimes a home needs help, to reach the street by car.
The "dominant tenement" enjoys a right, you see,
To cross a neighbor's land, for a purpose, like a key.
Picture now, a house behind another, out of sight,
With no clear path to the road, try as it might.
To reach the main street, the driveway must be shared,
An easement is the answer, to show both sides have cared.
The dominant tenement, in our story here,
Is the hidden house that needs the pathway to be clear.
It benefits from using, the neighbor's special space,
A right to cross, a right to pass, with understanding and grace.