In real estate and probate law, a testator is a person who makes a valid last will and testament. The testator sets forth instructions for the distribution of property upon death. The testator’s wishes are carried out through the probate process, subject to applicable...

In real estate and probate law, testate refers to a person who has died leaving a valid written last will and testament. The will directs how the person’s property, including real estate, is to be distributed. When a person dies testate, the estate is administered...

In real estate law, a tenant in severalty is a person who owns property alone without any co owners. This form of ownership is also referred to as ownership in severalty. A tenant in severalty holds full title and has exclusive rights to possess, use, and transfer the...

In real estate law, a tenant for life is a person who holds an estate in real property for the duration of a specified individual’s life. The measuring life may be the tenant’s own life or the life of another person. When the designated life ends, the estate...

In real estate law, a tenant at will is a person who occupies property with the permission of the owner or landlord but without a fixed term or formal lease agreement specifying duration. The tenancy continues only so long as both parties desire. A tenancy at will may...

In real estate law, a tenant at sufferance is a person who originally obtained lawful possession of property but remains in possession after the termination of the tenancy. This situation typically arises when a tenant holds over after a lease has expired without the...

In real estate law, a tenant is the party who has the legal right to possess and use real property owned by another person. This right arises from a lease or rental agreement. The tenant is obligated to pay rent and comply with the terms of the agreement, while the...

In real estate law, tenancy in partnership is a form of ownership in which partners hold an undivided interest in property as assets of a partnership. The property is owned by the partnership entity rather than by the individual partners separately. Under this form of...

In real estate law, tenancy in common is a form of co ownership in which two or more persons hold undivided interests in the same property. Each co tenant has the right to possess and use the entire property, even though their ownership shares may be unequal. Unlike...

In real estate law, tenancy for years is a leasehold estate that exists for a definite and specified period of time. The duration may be for any length, such as months or years, as long as the beginning and ending dates are clearly established. A tenancy for years...