Utility Easements and Right-of-Way: Homeowners Guide

If you're a homeowner, you might have wondered about "easements" and "right-of-way" and how they impact your property — especially when a fiber internet provider like Ezee Fiber comes to your neighborhood for construction. While you have control over many aspects of your property, it's important to understand the rules and limitations tied to easements and right-of-way.

By getting a grasp of these concepts and the laws that govern them, you can make informed decisions about your property's use.

What is an Easement?

An easement is a legal agreement that allows someone to use or access another person's property for a specific purpose. This often means allowing utility companies to access the property for maintenance or to set up infrastructure — like the fiber-optic lines that power Ezee Fiber's award-winning internet service.

Easement vs. Right-of-Way

Easements and right-of-way are similar but have important differences. An easement might let a utility company bury fiber-optic cables in a homeowner's backyard, giving them specific rights to install and maintain the cables.

A right-of-way, on the other hand, could allow the utility company to pass through a property to reach utility poles or underground conduits for laying fiber-optic cables along a set path.

Knowing these distinctions is important for property owners to ensure the correct installation and upkeep of fiber internet infrastructure on their properties.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Property Owner

How to Find Easements on Your Property

For information on finding easements on your property, check your property deed and survey, or visit the local land records office. Easements can affect your ability to use and develop your land, so consult a real estate attorney if you have questions or concerns.

Do Utility Companies Have the Right to Dig on My Property?

Utility companies often have easements that grant them the right to access and maintain their infrastructure on private property. Property owners should be aware of these easements and understand the extent of access granted to utility crews.

Can a Property Owner Block an Easement?

In most cases, property owners cannot block an easement as it is a legal right granted to another party. However, there may be specific circumstances where restrictions can be placed on the easement's use.

Who is Responsible for Easement Maintenance?

The responsibility for easement maintenance typically lies with the party benefiting from the easement — such as a utility company or another entity granted access to the property. It is important for property owners to review their agreements and understand the terms regarding easement maintenance, as responsibilities can vary based on specific agreements and local regulations.

Which Areas Can Utility Crews Access on My Property?

Utility crews can access the specific areas outlined in the easement agreement. Property owners should familiarize themselves with the terms of the easement to understand the extent of access granted. While the easement agreement provides a framework for access rights, utility crews may occasionally require access to other parts of the property to ensure the proper functioning and maintenance of utility systems.

Ezee Fiber and Easements

At Ezee Fiber, we make the installation process as smooth and respectful as possible. Our experienced crews work quickly and efficiently — because we know your time and your property matter. We follow all local easement guidelines while delivering the 100% fiber infrastructure that makes our speeds reliable, consistent, and symmetrical upload and download.

We understand construction can be disruptive, so we keep it brief, clean up after ourselves, and communicate every step of the way. That commitment to doing things right is part of what makes Ezee Fiber different.

Have questions about our construction process? Contact us — we're happy to walk you through it: 734.234.6416 or email: construction@ezeefiber.com.

Ready for internet that's actually fast? Sign up for Ezee Fiber today and experience the difference that true 100% fiber makes. No term contracts. No data caps. Just high-speed internet without the runaround.