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Property OwnershipEstates

Leasehold Estate

A leasehold estate grants the right to possess and use property for a defined period of time, without conferring ownership.

Understanding Leasehold Estate

Leasehold estates are created through a lease agreement between a landlord (lessor) and a tenant (lessee). The tenant has the right to exclusive possession of the property for the term of the lease, but does not own the property. At the end of the lease term, the right of possession reverts back to the landlord.

Real-World Example

Renting an apartment is a leasehold estate. You have the right to live in the apartment for the duration of your lease agreement, but you do not own the apartment.

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How This Appears on the Exam

Leasehold Estate is tested in the Property Ownership section of the real estate exam. Questions typically present a scenario and ask you to apply the concept. Here are examples of how exam questions are phrased:

1

A life estate is an example of:

2

A freehold could be any of the following EXCEPT

3

An estate in land vested in a grantee “until she marries” is properly classifiable as

Practice with all 10 related questions below to build confidence in this topic area.

Exam Tips

Think of 'lease' as a rental agreement. Focus on the defined term and the lack of ownership.

Related Terms

LeaseLandlordTenantTermEstate for YearsPeriodic Tenancy

Practice Questions

Related Concepts

Real property is immovable land and anything permanently attached to it, while personal property (also called chattels) is movable.

Joint tenancy is a form of co-ownership in which two or more persons hold equal, undivided interests in property with the right of survivorship. When one joint tenant dies, their interest automatically passes to the surviving joint tenants.

Tenancy in common is a form of co-ownership in which two or more persons hold separate, undivided interests in property without the right of survivorship. Each owner can hold unequal shares and can independently transfer their interest.

Tenancy by the entirety is a form of co-ownership available only to married couples that includes the right of survivorship and protection from individual creditors. Neither spouse can unilaterally sell or encumber the property.

Community property is a form of ownership recognized in certain states where property acquired during marriage is considered equally owned by both spouses, regardless of who earned the money or whose name is on the title.

Frequently Asked Questions

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