What term describes a charge or burden on a property for the benefit of another person?

The term that describes a charge or burden on a property for the benefit of another person is known as servitude. In legal contexts, servitude refers to a right granted to one property owner (the dominant estate) over the property of another owner (the servient estate). This arrangement allows the holder of the servitude to use the property in a specified way, which may include rights of access, passage, or other uses that benefit the dominant estate.

Understanding servitude is crucial as it can involve various forms, such as personal servitudes created for the benefit of a specific person, or predial servitudes, which are associated with the land itself and remain in effect regardless of ownership changes. This concept is fundamental in property law and is relevant for a notary public when dealing with property transactions, as it impacts the rights and responsibilities tied to the properties involved.

Other terms provided, such as usufruct, heritage, and encumbrance, have different implications and meanings. Usufruct refers specifically to the right to use and enjoy property owned by another while preserving its substance, whereas heritage pertains to the inheritance or property passed down through generations. Encumbrance typically denotes any claim, liability, or restriction on a property that may affect its