Which term describes a right that allows the use of someone else's property?

The term that describes a right allowing the use of someone else's property is known as an easement. This legal concept enables one party to use a portion of another person's land for a specific purpose, such as access to a road, pipeline installation, or utility lines. Easements can be created through various means, including agreements between parties or as a result of longstanding use under certain legal doctrines.

In the context of real estate and property law, an easement is distinct from other concepts such as encumbrances, liens, and mortgages. An encumbrance refers broadly to any claim or liability that may affect the value of a property, such as a restriction or burden on the property. A lien is a legal right or interest that a lender has in the borrower's property, granted until the debt obligation is satisfied. A mortgage specifically is a type of lien that secures the repayment of a loan used to purchase real estate.

These distinctions clarify why the right to use someone else's property is most accurately described as an easement. It specifically pertains to the rights of use, while the other terms have different legal meanings related to property rights.