When dealing with real estate in Jamaica, it’s important to understand some key legal terms that can affect how you buy, sell, or use property. Four of these terms—Easement, Licence, Caveat, and Restrictive Covenant—play a significant role in property ownership and use.
Easements: Access to Land
An Easement is a legal right that allows someone to use a part of another person’s land for a specific purpose. For example, if you buy a piece of land that doesn’t have direct access to the main road, you might need to cross your neighbor’s property to get to your place. In this case, you would ask your neighbor for an easement, which lets you walk or drive over their land to reach the road. Once it’s agreed upon, this right stays with the land even if you sell it later.
Licences: Temporary Permission
A Licence is different from an easement because it gives someone permission to use another person’s property, but only for a short time and without any permanent rights. Imagine a beachfront owner i…
