property

remainderman

A remainderman is a third party named to receive ownership of a property when a life estate ends. While the life tenant is alive, the remainderman holds a future interest and cannot take possession. When the measuring life ends, title passes automatically to the remainderman without probate. If the property instead returns to the original grantor or the grantor's heirs, that interest is called a reversion rather than a remainder.

Exam tip
The classic trap is remainder versus reversion: the property goes to a named third party (remainderman) or back to the grantor (reversionary interest).
Example
Ann deeds her house to her brother for his life, then to her niece. The niece is the remainderman and takes title when the brother dies.

1. Which action may a life tenant take WITHOUT the remainderman's consent?

Answer & explanation

Answer: D. A life tenant may occupy or lease the property for the duration of the life estate but cannot sell, mortgage or commit waste that harms the remainderman's future interest.

Related terms & state variants

Sources

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Last verified: 2026-10-23