Which statement about an easement appurtenant is TRUE?

An easement appurtenant is a type of easement that is associated with a specific piece of land, known as the dominant estate. The key characteristic of an easement appurtenant is that it attaches permanently to the dominant estate, meaning it "runs with the land." This means that whenever the property is sold or transferred, the easement rights remain with the land and are inherited by subsequent owners. This permanence is a fundamental feature that distinguishes an easement appurtenant from other types of easements, which may not have the same enduring attributes.

In contrast, the other options reflect characteristics that do not align with the definition of an easement appurtenant. For instance, a temporary right would not provide the enduring benefit that is characteristic of an easement appurtenant. Exclusive rights would imply that the owner of the dominant estate could exclude others from using that easement, which is not the case; easements typically allow for shared use or access. Lastly, while there may be agreements regarding the maintenance of an easement, a contractual agreement is not a requirement for an easement appurtenant to exist or be valid. Thus, the correct choice identifies the essential nature of such an easement as a permanent right that is