A life tenant is an individual who has the right to occupy, use, and benefit from a property for the duration of their lifetime, but does not hold full ownership. In real estate, a life tenant’s interest is limited to their lifespan, meaning they cannot sell or significantly alter the property in a way that would affect the future rights of the person who will fully inherit it (the remainderman). In Jamaica, as elsewhere, the life tenant arrangement is common in estate planning, allowing property owners to retain use of their property while designating a future heir. This setup helps maintain family assets across generations, ensuring continuity while allowing the life tenant to enjoy the property without restriction to daily use. Globally, life tenancies are often used to secure a residence for older family members or individuals who need long-term housing while preserving the estate for future generations. Life tenants are expected to care for the property but are generally prohibit…
