Which of the following can be considered an encumbrance?

An encumbrance refers to any claim, lien, charge, or liability attached to real property that may affect the transferability of the property or its value. A mortgage is a common form of encumbrance, as it represents a secured loan against the property. The mortgage creates a lien that the lender holds, which must be settled when the property is sold. This means the property cannot be freely transferred without addressing the mortgage, making it a significant obligation for the property owner.

In contrast, a fee simple is a type of ownership in real property, representing the most complete interest one can have in real estate, free from constraints. This is not an encumbrance but a type of title.

An easement in gross grants specific rights to a party regarding the use of the property but is not a claim against the property’s value in the same manner as a mortgage. It allows specific uses that can encumber the property, but more directly, it’s a right rather than a financial obligation.

A residential lease pertains to the rights of a tenant to occupy a property and may encumber the landlord's rights; however, like an easement, it does not constitute a direct lien or financial encumbrance against the property itself in the same way