What characteristic defines an easement appurtenant?

An easement appurtenant is defined by its ability to run with the land, meaning that the easement is tied to the property and benefits the land itself rather than the individual owner. This characteristic ensures that when the property is sold or transferred, the easement remains in effect for the new owner, thereby providing sustained benefits such as access or use of another property. This intrinsic link between the easement and the property enhances the usefulness and value of the land, making it an enduring right that is not lost when ownership changes.

The other potential characteristics listed do not apply to an easement appurtenant. For example, while some easements may be temporary or revoked under certain conditions, an easement appurtenant is intended to be permanent and associated with the land. Furthermore, although an easement appurtenant benefits a specific parcel, it typically serves a dominant estate (the property benefiting from the easement) while also restricting a servient estate (the property burdened by the easement), indicating that its benefits extend beyond a sole owner.