Preservation Easements

Historic conservatory with a glass dome and numerous windows, surrounded by lush greenery and flowering plants under a blue sky.

What's a preservation easement?

A preservation easement is a legal agreement between a property owner and the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) to protect a property’s historic character and ensure its long-term preservation.

Through the easement, an owner agrees to preserve the property’s historic features and obtain MHT’s approval before making specific changes.

Easements are tied to the property, not the property owner. If an owner sells a property, for example, the new property owner also must abide by the terms of the easement.

Benefits of easements

Preservation easements help preserve Maryland’s architectural and cultural heritage for future generations. Key benefits include:

Long-term protection: Easements may be permanent or for a fixed term, and they apply to all future owners during the duration.
Tax advantages: Easements may qualify for charitable contribution deductions and strengthen applications for state and federal historic tax credits.
Public commitment: An easement demonstrates an owner’s long-term dedication to historic preservation.

Restrictions & requirements

Each easement is unique. Some are permanent, while others are for a set term, depending on how they are established.

Modifications

Before beginning a project, request an easement review.

In most cases, any change to an easement property requires MHT approval. For example, before:

All construction, including reconstruction, improvement, enlargement, alteration, demolition, maintenance or repair of any structure
Painting and decorating
Making landscape or site changes
Transferring ownership

Inspections & monitoring

MHT regularly inspects easement properties to confirm they are maintained according to the easement terms.

Inspections

Occur every few years
Are scheduled in advance with the owner
Conclude with a written report summarizing findings and recommendations

Maintenance

MHT staff are available year round to answer questions about maintenance, restoration methods or project approvals.

Easement applications

Property owners may donate or convey an easement to MHT voluntarily, or an easement may be required as a condition of certain MHT grants or loans.

To learn more about eligibility, documentation and how to begin the process, visit the Donate or convey an easement page.

Easement records

MHT currently holds hundreds of easements protecting historic buildings, structures, archaeological sites, and landscapes across Maryland.

View summaries and maps of existing easements in the Medusa database.

Easement deeds are public records available through MHT’s Easement Program staff.