Easement in Alabama
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Alabama recognizes easements as property interests that run with the land and bind successors unless expressly terminated.
How Alabama treats Easement
Alabama courts enforce easements created by express grant, implication, necessity, or prescription. An easement of necessity arises when land becomes landlocked or when splitting property creates an unavoidable need for access across retained land. Easements are generally perpetual unless the parties specify a time limit or the purpose becomes impossible. Alabama follows the common law rule that an easement holder cannot expand use beyond the original scope without the owner's consent.
The general definition of Easement
The right to use someone else's land for a specific purpose, like crossing it or running utilities.
An easement gives one person or entity the legal right to use another person's property in a limited way. For example, a utility company might have an easement to run electric lines under your yard, or a neighbor might have an easement to cross your land to reach their property. The property owner still owns the land but cannot prevent the easement holder from exercising their right.
Read the full Easement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.