Definition of Amenity

In real property law. Such circumstances, in regard to situation, outlook, access to a water-course or the like, as enhance the pleasantness or desirability of an estate for purposes of residence or contribute to the pleasure and enjoyment of the occupants, rather than to their indispensable needs. In England, upon the building of a railway or the construction of other public works, "amenity damages" may be given for the defacement of pleasure grounds, the impairment of riparian rights or other destruction of or injury to the amenities of the estate. In the law of easements, an "amenity" consists in restraining the owner from doing that with and on his property which, but for the grant or covenant, he might lawfully have done; sometimes called a "negative easement" as distinguished from that class of easements which compel the owner to suffer something to be done on his property by another. Equitable Life Assur. Soc. v. Brennan (Sup.) 24 N. Y. Supp. 788.