OREA Property Rights and Ownership 2

Question 1

What is an 'easement' in Ontario property law?

Accepted Answer

A right to use another person's land for a specific purpose, such as access or utilities

Answer

An easement is a non-possessory right to use another person's land for a specific purpose, such as a right-of-way for access, utility lines, or drainage. It 'runs with the land' and binds subsequent owners.

Question 2

In Ontario, what is the difference between a 'dominant tenement' and a 'servient tenement'?

Accepted Answer

The dominant tenement benefits from the easement; the servient tenement is burdened by the easement

Answer

In an easement arrangement, the dominant tenement is the property that benefits from the easement (e.g., the property that uses the right-of-way), while the servient tenement is the property over which the easement passes and which bears the burden.

Question 3

What is a 'restrictive covenant' in Ontario real estate?

Accepted Answer

A limitation on the use of land that binds current and future owners, typically restricting certain activities or uses

Answer

A restrictive covenant is a promise registered on title that restricts how the property can be used. Common examples include restrictions on building types, commercial activities, or property alterations. They run with the land and bind future owners.

Question 4

In Ontario, what is 'condominium ownership' and how does it differ from freehold ownership?

Accepted Answer

Condominium ownership includes fee simple ownership of a unit plus shared ownership of common elements, subject to the Condominium Act

Answer

Condominium ownership provides fee simple title to an individual unit plus a proportionate share of the common elements (lobbies, hallways, recreational facilities). It is governed by the Condominium Act and subject to the rules of the condominium corporation.

Question 5

What is an 'encroachment' in Ontario property law?

Accepted Answer

When a structure or improvement on one property extends onto an adjacent property without permission

Answer

An encroachment occurs when a building, fence, driveway, or other structure on one property physically extends beyond the property boundary onto an adjacent property. Encroachments can lead to disputes and may need to be resolved before a property sale.

Ontario Real Estate Practice Test

Ontario Real Estate Practice Test

OREA Property Rights and Ownership 2