What is an encroachment?

An encroachment refers to a situation where a property owner infringes upon the rights of a neighboring property owner, typically by building or extending structures over the boundary line into the neighbor’s property. This can involve fences, driveways, or any part of a structure that crosses onto another's land, thus violating the property rights that that neighbor holds. Encroachments can lead to disputes and legal actions, as property lines are legal boundaries that are entitled to protection.

The other options do not accurately describe encroachment. The first choice suggests a legal right to build on someone else's property, which is contrary to the concept of encroachment since encroachment implies an infringement of rights without permission. The third option refers to a type of ownership agreement, which is not related to property boundaries or rights infringement at all. Lastly, the choice about a survey of property boundaries relates to the determination of property lines rather than the act of infringing upon them. Therefore, the understanding of encroachment centers on the idea of violating neighboring property rights, making the correct answer focused on that infringement.