When planning your estate, you may come across various types of wills and trusts designed to protect your assets and ensure they are distributed according to your wishes. One such arrangement is a life interest trust will. This type of trust can be particularly useful for providing for a spouse or partner after your death while preserving the value of your estate for other beneficiaries, such as your children.

However, understanding the limitations and responsibilities associated with a life interest trust is crucial. One common question is whether a person with a life interest in a property can sell it. In this blog, we’ll explore the intricacies of a life interest trust will and clarify the conditions under which the property might be sold.

What is a Life Interest Trust Will?

A life interest trust will is a legal arrangement that allows an individual, known as the life tenant, to benefit from a property or other assets for their lifetime. However, the ownership of the property remains with the trust. Upon the life tenant’s death, the property passes to the remainderman, the beneficiary specified in the trust​.

Key Features of a Life Interest Trust Will

• Right to Reside: The life tenant has the right to live in the property for their lifetime. This right is protected, meaning they cannot be evicted or forced to leave as long as they comply with any conditions set out in the trust​.
• Maintenance Responsibilities: The life tenant is usually responsible for maintaining the property and covering associated costs, such as utility bills and property taxes​.
• No Ownership: While the life tenant can live in the property and benefit from it, they do not own it. Ownership remains with the trust, and the property is ultimately destined for the remainderman​.

Can a Life Tenant Sell the Property?

The straightforward answer is no; a person with a life interest in a property cannot sell it outright. Since the life tenant does not own the property, they do not have the authority to sell it. The legal title to the property remains with the trust, and the life tenant’s rights are limited to residing in the property and benefiting from its use.

Responsibilities of the Life Tenant

While the life tenant cannot sell the property, they have specific responsibilities:

• Maintenance: Ensuring the property is well-maintained and in good condition is typically the life tenant’s duty. This includes regular upkeep and repairs​.
• Insurance and Taxes: The life tenant usually needs to cover the cost of insuring the property and paying any applicable taxes.
• Compliance with Trust Conditions: The life tenant must adhere to any conditions set out in the trust, which might include restrictions on alterations to the property or obligations to keep it in a certain condition.

Importance of Legal Advice

Given the complexities involved in a life interest trust will, it is crucial for all parties to seek legal advice. This ensures that the life tenant’s rights are protected while also safeguarding the interests of the remainderman. Trustees play a key role in managing the trust property and must act in the best interests of all beneficiaries, balancing the immediate needs of the life tenant with the long-term interests of the remainderman.

Protecting Your Interests

In summary, a person with a life interest in a property cannot sell it outright due to the nature of their rights under a life interest trust will. Any decision to sell the property must involve the trustees and remainderman and is often subject to strict legal and trust conditions. Understanding these intricacies and seeking appropriate legal guidance can help navigate the responsibilities and limitations associated with a life interest trust will, ensuring all parties’ interests are adequately protected.

For more detailed advice or to set up a life interest trust will, you can contact Paradigm Wills and Legal Services at 0800 999 7750. A member of our experienced legal team will be happy to assist you.