A woman owns land that serves as a servient tenement. The easement is classified as what type of legal concept?

The correct answer is an encumbrance because in real estate, an easement represents a right to use someone else's property for a specified purpose. When a woman owns land that serves as a servient tenement, it means that her property is subject to the easement, allowing another party the right to use a specific portion of her land, typically for access or utility purposes.

An easement creates a legal right that restricts the owner's full enjoyment of their property, hence classifying it as an encumbrance. This concept is vital because encumbrances, including easements, can affect property value and may need to be disclosed during real estate transactions.

Other terms, like lien and license, do not fit the context of easements. A lien is a legal claim against a property, typically for debt repayment, while a license grants temporary permission to use another's property without transferring any interest. Encroachment refers to an unauthorized intrusion onto someone's property, which also does not align with the nature of an easement. Thus, the designation of the easement as an encumbrance accurately captures its impact on the servient tenement.