Which term describes the legal right to use someone else's property for a specified purpose?

The term that describes the legal right to use someone else's property for a specified purpose is an easement. An easement creates a legal right for a person or entity to use, access, or benefit from someone else’s land without owning it. This right can be for various purposes, such as allowing utility companies to install power lines or granting access to a road.

In many cases, the easement is attached to the land itself, meaning it can remain in effect even when the property changes ownership. This characteristic distinguishes easements from other rights. For instance, a license allows a person to use another's property but typically is temporary and does not transfer with the land. An encumbrance is a broader term relating to any claim against a property that may affect its value or use, and a lease specifically pertains to the rental of property for a defined period, giving the tenant exclusive possession rather than merely a right to use. Thus, easement is the most precise term for this scenario.