How is a prescriptive easement acquired?

A prescriptive easement is acquired by continuous and open use of a property over a statutory period, which varies by jurisdiction. This legal concept allows a person to gain the right to use someone else's land if they do so in a way that is obvious and without the permission of the landowner. The use must generally be uninterrupted for a certain number of years, as defined by local laws, demonstrating that the user has treated the land as if they have a right to use it, which can lead to a form of ownership despite the absence of a formal title or agreement.

In contrast, the other options involve different forms of rights or agreements that do not apply to prescriptive easements. A written contract is used to establish rights through mutual consent rather than prolonged use. Government requests typically pertain to acquisitions like eminent domain, rather than private easements through individual actions. An agreement between neighbors implies a consensual arrangement, which does not align with the concept of a prescriptive easement that arises from usage without the owner’s permission.