What type of easement is typically established when a property owner allows someone to use their property for a specific purpose?

The correct answer is an express easement. This type of easement is created through a formal agreement between the property owner and the person who is granted the easement. It is typically documented in writing and clearly defines the specific purpose and extent of use that one party has over another's property.

An express easement provides a sense of legality and formality to the arrangement, protecting both parties' interests. It lays out the terms under which the property can be used, ensuring that there is mutual understanding and agreement on the nature of the use. This could include access for utilities, pathways, or other specific uses that the property owner consents to.

In contrast, other types of easements, such as a prescriptive easement, arise from continuous use over time without permission, rather than through an explicit agreement. An easement in gross is typically granted for personal benefit, such as utility companies' rights to place lines on a property, and does not attach to the land itself, but rather to a person or entity. The term "nominative easement" is less commonly used and not typically recognized in standard property law discussions. Understanding these distinctions emphasizes the importance of clearly defined agreements in property use.