If an owner wants to grant a neighbor the right to cross his property but does not want a permanent irrevocable right, what type of right should be granted?

• A. Easement
• B. License
• C. Profit a prendre
• D. Fee simple

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is the difference between a temporary, revocable permission and a permanent property interest. When an owner wants someone to cross the property but not acquire a lasting, irremovable right, a license is the appropriate vehicle. A license is simply permission to use the land for a specific purpose and typically can be revoked by the landowner at any time, so it does not create an enduring stake in the property.

An easement, by contrast, is a real property interest that grants a non-possessory right to use the land and is usually permanent or lasting, often running with the land even if ownership changes hands. A profit a prendre gives the right to take something from the land (like minerals or timber), which isn’t about crossing. Fee simple represents full ownership with indefinite duration.

So, granting a license best fits the desire for a non-permanent, revocable crossing right. If you want to prevent implied permanent rights from developing, keep the arrangement as a clearly revocable license and consider detailing the terms in writing (scope, time period, and revocation conditions).