Egress
The legal right and physical ability to exit or leave a property, typically referring to access routes from a building to public roads or pathways. Egress requirements are governed by building codes and zoning laws to ensure safe evacuation and access.
Example
“The landlocked property required an egress easement through the neighboring land to provide legal access to the public road for emergency vehicles.”
Memory Tip
Think "EGG-ress" - imagine an egg rolling out and away, just as egress is your right to go out and away from a property.
Why It Matters
Proper egress is essential for safety, building code compliance, and property insurability, while lack of legal egress can make a property difficult to sell or finance. Properties without adequate egress may face legal issues or reduced value.
Common Misconception
Egress only refers to emergency exits, when it actually encompasses all legal rights to leave a property and access public thoroughfares.
In Practice
A basement apartment must have a separate egress window or door to meet building codes for rental properties. When buying landlocked property, buyers must ensure they have legal egress through easements or right-of-way agreements to reach public roads.
Etymology
From Latin "egressus" meaning "a going out," this term has been used in property law since medieval times when securing exit rights was crucial for feudal land arrangements.
Common Misspellings
Compare today's mortgage rates
More in real estate
Other real estate terms you should know
Need financial definitions?
Clear definitions for 2,500+ finance, insurance, and investing terms.