What rights are primarily associated with the use of surface land and its improvements?

The correct answer, surface rights, refers specifically to the rights a property owner has to use and enjoy the surface of the land along with any improvements made on it, such as buildings, fences, and landscaping. These rights allow the owner to occupy the land, cultivate it, or develop real estate.

Surface rights are crucial in real property transactions as they imply control and access over the land's surface, which is fundamental for residential, commercial, or agricultural uses. This concept ensures that the owner can fully utilize their property without interference from external entities regarding the surface level usage.

The other options do not primarily focus on the use of the surface land and its improvements. Air rights involve the space above the land, sub-surface rights relate to ownership of minerals or resources beneath the surface, and real property rights encompass a broader category that includes various rights associated with ownership of land. However, none of these options specifically highlight the rights related to the surface of the land and its direct usage, making surface rights the most appropriate response.