Final answer:
An easement is the legal instrument that allows for the transfer of the use of a property without transferring ownership. This is different from a restrictive covenant, an encroachment, and a lien, which involve ownership, intrusion, and debt security, respectively. Therefore, the correct answer is C) An easement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legal instrument that transfers the use but not ownership of a property is known as an easement. An easement grants the right to use the property of another for a specific purpose. It is important to distinguish this from a restrictive covenant, an encroachment, or a lien. A restrictive covenant imposes limitations on how the property can be used, whereas an encroachment is an unauthorized invasion or intrusion onto another person's property. Lastly, a lien is a legal right or interest that a creditor has in another's property, until a debt is satisfied.
Easements are essential for various purposes, including but not limited to providing access to utilities, allowing for private or public pathways, or preserving open space for conservation. The use of easements is a key tool in land use planning and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the public or private parties involved.
To answer the question, among the options listed - A) A deed restriction, B) An encroachment, C) An easement, and D) A lien - the correct answer is C) An easement. This is because an easement allows for the use of property without transferring the ownership rights.