What is the difference between an easement appurtenant and an easement in gross?

An easement appurtenant benefits a specific neighboring property and involves two parcels: the dominant estate that benefits and the servient estate that is burdened. It runs with the land, meaning it transfers automatically when either property is sold. An easement in gross benefits a specific person or company rather than a neighboring property, such as a utility company's right to maintain power lines. Commercial easements in gross are generally assignable, while personal easements in gross typically are not. Most easements encountered in residential real estate are appurtenant.