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Property Ownership Land Use ControlsEstates_and_property_typesMEDIUM

Frank owns a life estate in a California property with the remainder to his niece, Amy. Frank fails to pay the property taxes for two years. Which statement is MOST accurate regarding Frank's obligations?

Correct Answer

D) Frank is responsible for paying property taxes during his lifetime as part of his duty to avoid waste

Under California law, a life tenant has the duty to maintain the property and avoid both voluntary and permissive waste. This includes the obligation to pay current property taxes, insurance, and ordinary maintenance during the life tenancy. Failure to pay taxes constitutes permissive waste, which could result in a tax sale that would harm the remainderman's interest.

Answer Options
A
Amy, as the remainderman, is solely responsible for paying all property taxes
B
Neither Frank nor Amy is responsible because life estate properties are tax-exempt in California
C
The property tax obligation is split equally between Frank and Amy
D
Frank is responsible for paying property taxes during his lifetime as part of his duty to avoid waste

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

life_estateproperty_taxeswastelife_tenant_duty
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