In real estate, “landlocked” refers to a property that lacks direct access to a public road or right-of-way, making it challenging for the owner to reach their land without traversing neighboring properties. In Jamaica, as in many parts of the world, this issue often stems from historic land divisions, where property was subdivided among family members or sold off in parcels without planning for adequate access routes. For instance, Jamaica’s hilly terrain and varied land use have left many rural and agricultural plots isolated, especially in areas where family inheritance or informal transactions shaped land distribution. To resolve landlocked scenarios, a landowner can legally pursue an easement by necessity — a right permitting them to cross adjacent property to access their own land, even if the adjacent owner does not consent. This principle, derived from the need for fair and functional land use, is recognized under Jamaican law as in many other legal systems. Easements can take…
