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Thomas owns a property in Greenwich, Connecticut and grants an easement to his neighbor, Linda, allowing her to use a path across his property. The easement is properly executed but neither party records it. Six months later, Thomas sells the property to Robert, who conducts a title search, finds no recorded easement, and purchases the property without actual knowledge of Linda's easement. Robert then blocks Linda's use of the path. Under Connecticut recording law, which outcome is most likely?

Correct Answer

B) Robert takes free of Linda's easement because he is a bona fide purchaser for value without notice under Connecticut's race-notice statute

Under Connecticut's race-notice recording statute (CGS § 47-10), a subsequent purchaser who takes without notice — actual, constructive, or inquiry — of a prior unrecorded interest and records first prevails. Robert conducted a title search (no constructive notice), had no actual knowledge, and purchased the property. If Robert also lacked inquiry notice (i.e., no visible use of the path was apparent at the time of purchase), he qualifies as a bona fide purchaser and takes free of Linda's unrecorded easement.

Answer Options
A
Linda's easement survives because easements run with the land regardless of recording status
B
Robert takes free of Linda's easement because he is a bona fide purchaser for value without notice under Connecticut's race-notice statute
C
Linda's easement survives because Robert had a duty to physically inspect the property and would have observed her use of the path
D
Robert takes free of Linda's easement only if he recorded his deed before Linda recorded the easement

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Background Knowledge for Property Ownership

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

race_noticeeasementbona_fide_purchaserinquiry_noticerecording

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