A tenant in possession owes duties including paying taxes on the land and interest on the mortgage. Which option correctly describes this duty?

• A. Pay taxes on the land and interest on the mortgage
• B. Pay taxes on the land only
• C. Reimburse co-tenants for all expenses
• D. Default on mortgage

Answer: (A)

In a tenancy in possession, the tenant bears the obligation to cover ongoing costs that keep the property productive for the term, including taxes on the land and the interest on any mortgage if the lease requires it. This reflects the tenant’s duty not to let the property lapse into tax delinquency or mortgage default, which would harm the landlord and the property's value. So paying both taxes on the land and interest on the mortgage correctly describes the tenant’s duty. Paying taxes alone would be incomplete if the lease also requires mortgage interest payments; reimbursing co-tenants or defaulting on the mortgage do not align with a typical tenant’s duties under a standard lease.