What might happen if a property owner ignores a negative easement?

If a property owner ignores a negative easement, they may create legal disputes with neighboring properties. A negative easement allows the holder to prevent the property owner from acting in a certain way that would interfere with the easement holder's use or enjoyment of their property. For instance, if the property owner neglects this restriction, it could lead to actions such as blocking light or access that the easement is meant to protect.

This breach of the easement—the owner's decision to ignore it—can prompt the easement holder to pursue legal action to enforce their rights. This may result in litigation over property use, leading to significant disputes between neighbors. These conflicts can be costly and time-consuming, making it essential for property owners to be aware of and adhere to negative easements affecting their land.

The other options do not accurately align with the consequences of ignoring a negative easement. A tax refund is unrelated to easement laws, automatic gain of easement rights does not occur simply through inactivity regarding a negative easement, and while ignoring an easement may lead to disputes, it does not necessarily result in a total loss of property rights.