We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Law

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Life Tenancy?

Leigia Rosales
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,029
Share

Title to property comes in many forms, including a life estate, sometimes referred to as a life tenancy. When the owner of a property wishes to give another person ownership for the life of that person, or the life of another person, he or she may give him or her a life tenancy. Under this type of ownership, the tenant has ownership of the property until his or her death, at which time the property will revert to the original owner.

The laws regarding a life estate are generally very similar from one jurisdiction to the next. Although a life tenancy does not convey complete title to the property, as it ends upon the death of the tenant, the tenant does have all the rights of an owner during his or her life. For example, a life tenant may make improvements to the property, enjoy income made from the property, and may even convey or sell his or her interest in the property. A life tenant may not, however, convey, give, or sell more of an interest than he or she has in the property. In reality, this means that a life tenant may sell the right to ownership of the property until the death of the life tenant only.

One of the biggest restrictions on a life tenancy is that, in most cases, a life tenancy cannot be inherited or devised to heirs upon the death of the tenant. The reason for this is that, under the terms of a life estate, the tenant's interest in the property terminates upon his or her death, at which point the property reverts back to the original owner or may pass on to a remainderman. A remainderman is someone to whom the original owner of the property conveys the property to when the life estate terminates. In the absence of a designated remainderman, the property reverts back to the original owner, or to his or her heirs, if deceased.

A life tenancy may also use the life of a third person as the measuring life for the duration of the estate. For example, a husband could give his son a life estate in property for the life of his wife. In that case, the son will have the use and enjoyment of the property until his mother dies, at which point the property will revert either to the husband or to a remainderman, if one was appointed.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Leigia Rosales
By Leigia Rosales
Leigia Rosales is a former attorney turned freelance writer. With a law degree and a background in legal practice, she crafts compelling content that informs and engages readers. Her ability to understand complex topics and communicate them effectively makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Leigia Rosales
Leigia Rosales
Leigia Rosales is a former attorney turned freelance writer. With a law degree and a background in legal practice, she...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-life-tenancy.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.