Which term describes an intrusion of a structure or extension onto a neighbor's property?

Which term describes an intrusion of a structure or extension onto a neighbor's property?

• A. easement appurtenant.
• B. encroachment.
• C. easement by prescription.
• D. party wall easement.

Answer: (B)

This term describes the situation where a structure or part of a building crosses the boundary and sits on a neighbor’s land. It’s not a granted right; it’s an unauthorized intrusion that can create legal tensions over property rights. Remedies often involve correcting the intrusion—such as removing or relocating the offending part—or negotiating a formal resolution with the neighbor, potentially including an easement if use of the encroached area is agreed upon. This is different from an easement, which is a recognized right to use someone else’s land for a specific purpose, without the landowner losing ownership. An easement by prescription comes from long-standing use that becomes legally binding, and a party wall easement involves a shared wall between properties. Encroachment specifically describes the physical intrusion onto another’s property.

This term describes the situation where a structure or part of a building crosses the boundary and sits on a neighbor’s land. It’s not a granted right; it’s an unauthorized intrusion that can create legal tensions over property rights. Remedies often involve correcting the intrusion—such as removing or relocating the offending part—or negotiating a formal resolution with the neighbor, potentially including an easement if use of the encroached area is agreed upon. This is different from an easement, which is a recognized right to use someone else’s land for a specific purpose, without the landowner losing ownership. An easement by prescription comes from long-standing use that becomes legally binding, and a party wall easement involves a shared wall between properties. Encroachment specifically describes the physical intrusion onto another’s property.