An affirmative easement (also known as a positive easement) is an interest in another person’s land that allows the easement holder or easement owner (the dominant estate) to use the other person’s property (often an adjoining property) for a limited purpose.

For example, a landowner (the dominant estate) may have an affirmative easement that requires the owner of the adjoining property (the servient estate) to permit a limited use of the servient estate, such as discharging water or grass that has been cut onto the servient estate.

The terminology of the dominant estate and the servient estate is best understood by focusing on the use permitted by the easement. The dominant estate is the property with the right to use the servient estate (which is serving the dominant estate in some way).

In Tennessee, an affirmative easement, or positive easement, grants a property owner (the dominant estate) the right to use a portion of another's property (the servient estate) for a specific purpose. This type of easement is typically established through a written agreement and recorded in the county where the properties are located, ensuring the easement is known to potential buyers and becomes a permanent property right that generally runs with the land. The easement might allow for activities such as the discharge of water or disposal of cut grass onto the servient estate. Tennessee law requires that the use of the easement must be clear and consistent with the terms of the easement agreement. Disputes over easements can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or, if necessary, litigation. It is important for both the dominant and servient estate owners to understand their rights and obligations under the easement to avoid legal conflicts.