What Interests in Land Are Recognised in Equity But Not at Law?

Equity recognises certain interests in land that may not be recognised at law. These equitable interests provide individuals with rights and remedies that go beyond the strict legal ownership recognised by common law. Here are some examples of interests in land that are recognised in equity but not at law:

Equitable easements: An equitable easement is a right to use someone else's land for a specific purpose. It may arise when there is an informal arrangement or agreement between parties that is not enforceable as a legal easement. Equitable easements are typically created when someone has relied on the representation or conduct of another regarding the use of the land.

Equitable leases: An equitable lease arises when a person is in possession of land and has the right to occupy it, but there is no formal lease agreement in place. It may occur when there is an oral or informal agreement that does not satisfy the formal requirements for a legal lease. Equitable leases provide the occupier with certain rights and protections similar to those of a legal leaseholder.

Equitable mortgages: An equitable mortgage arises when a person has an interest in a property that serves as security for a loan or debt, but the mortgage is not created or perfected according to the formalities required by law. It may occur in situations where there is an informal agreement or where the necessary legal formalities are not met. Equitable mortgages allow the lender to enforce their rights in the property as if a legal mortgage had been created.

Equitable interests in land held on trust: Trusts are a fundamental concept in equity and can create equitable interests in land. A trust occurs when a person (the trustee) holds legal ownership of the property for the benefit of another person (the beneficiary). The trustee has a legal interest in the property, but the beneficiary has an equitable interest. Trusts can be used to hold and manage land for specific purposes or for the benefit of certain individuals. Equity recognises various interests in land held on trust, including beneficial interests, resulting trusts, and constructive trusts. These interests arise when the legal owner of the land holds it for the benefit of another person or for a specific purpose, as directed by the terms of a trust.

Equitable liens: An equitable lien is a right to have a property held as security for a debt or obligation, even though a legal mortgage or lien has not been created. It can arise through an agreement or conduct of the parties that indicates an intention to create a security interest. Equitable liens allow the creditor to enforce their rights against the property and seek payment or satisfaction of the debt.

Equitable servitudes: Equitable servitudes are enforceable restrictions or obligations that run with the land. They may be created through agreements or circumstances that indicate an intention to bind subsequent owners of the property. Equitable servitudes can regulate land use, impose obligations on owners, or confer benefits on specific individuals or properties.

Equitable proprietary estoppel: Equitable proprietary estoppel arises when a person has relied on a promise, representation, or assurance regarding the ownership or interest in land and has acted to their detriment based on that reliance. It can create an equitable interest in the land or prevent the landowner from denying the existence of the promised interest.

Equitable licenses: An equitable license is a personal right or permission to use someone else's land. It is not a legal interest in the land but rather a personal right enforceable in equity. Equitable licenses may arise in situations where there is no formal lease or easement agreement but where the landowner has granted permission for a specific use.

Equitable right of way: An equitable right of way is a non-legal right to pass over someone else's land. It may arise when there is an informal arrangement or long-standing usage of a pathway that does not satisfy the legal requirements for a right of way. Equitable rights of way can be enforced in equity to ensure continued access.

Equitable covenants: Equitable covenants are enforceable promises or obligations that relate to land. They may arise through agreements or circumstances indicating an intention to create a binding obligation. Equitable covenants can regulate land use, require certain actions or abstentions, or confer benefits on specific individuals or properties.

The above list illustrates the broad range of interests in land that equity recognises beyond what is recognised by common law. Remember that the availability and recognition of these equitable interests may vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances.