If a landowner wants to allow a neighbor temporary access across their property, what type of agreement should they grant?

In the context of allowing a neighbor temporary access across their property, a license is the most appropriate agreement to grant. A license is a permission granted by a property owner to another party to use their land for a specific purpose. This permission is typically revocable at any time and does not create an interest in the land.

In this situation, since the access is temporary and specific, granting a license allows the landowner to maintain control over their property while permitting access for the desired time frame. This is ideal for situations where the neighbor may need to cross the property, perhaps for maintenance work or accessing a shared resource, without establishing permanent rights.

An easement, in contrast, typically provides a more permanent right to use the property and often is recorded, establishing an ongoing interest in the land rather than a temporary, revocable permission. A lease involves renting property for a period and usually involves compensation, which doesn't align with the scenario of granting informal access. A right of way is a type of easement specifically allowing passage across property but does not align with the temporary nature of the access described in this question. Therefore, a license fits perfectly for granting temporary access while keeping the landowner's interests intact.