Question

Nika owns land in Ohio. Her ownership rights include the right to sell or give away the property without restriction, and the right to commit waste, if she chooses. Nika deeds some of her land to Polly. The deed states, "To Polly, for life, then to Quay." Nika has given Polly:

a. a life estate.
b. a fee simple absolute.
c. a leasehold estate.
d. an easement.

Answer 1

Nika has given Polly a life estate, which allows Polly to use the land for her lifetime, after which it will pass to Quay.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nika has granted Polly a life estate. A life estate is an interest in property that allows the holder to use the property for the duration of their life, after which it passes to another individual. In this scenario, the deed explicitly states "To Polly, for life, then to Quay," meaning Polly can use the land for her lifetime, and upon her death, the property will pass to Quay. The specifics in the deed make evident that Polly's ownership is neither a fee simple absolute, which would grant her indefinite control over the property without future stipulations, nor a leasehold estate or an easement, both of which imply other types of property interests or rights.