What terminates a life estate?

A life estate is a form of property ownership that lasts for the duration of a specific individual's life, known as the life tenant. The life estate is inherently linked to the life of the tenant, meaning that it terminates upon their death. This concept is fundamental in property law, as it creates a temporary interest in the property. The property ultimately reverts back to the grantor or passes to someone else as established by the deed, following the life tenant’s death.

Considering the other options, a change in property value does not affect the life estate itself; it still remains valid until the life tenant passes away. The sale of the property can be more complex, as life estates typically cannot be sold unless the life tenant sells their interest, which could still result in termination upon their death. Similarly, a transfer of ownership does not terminate a life estate unless it is explicitly stated that the life estate is forfeited. Hence, the only event that definitively concludes a life estate is the death of the life tenant.