What is a significant restriction for life tenants under a life estate?

A key aspect of a life estate is that the life tenant has the right to use and enjoy the property during their lifetime, but they also carry the responsibility to maintain its value. The prohibition against permitting degradation of the property is crucial because life tenants are tasked with preserving the property and preventing any actions that would harm its value for the remainderman—who is entitled to the property once the life tenant passes away. This means that any significant wear and tear or alterations that would devalue the property could be challenged, as it negatively impacts the remainderman's interest.

In contrast, selling the property is not allowed unless specifically permitted by the terms of the life estate, and the life tenant cannot hold the property in fee simple, as that denotes an absolute ownership which is not applicable in this situation. Additionally, the transfer of their interest is limited; while life tenants can transfer their interest, the new holder of that interest would only have rights until the life tenant's death, which does not equate to the same freedoms granted with full ownership. Thus, the life tenant's obligation to prevent degradation is a significant restriction that underscores their role as temporary custodians of the property.