What is the life tenant's fundamental duty regarding waste?

• A. Must preserve improvements
• B. Do not commit waste
• C. May lease only with permission
• D. Must never lease

Answer: (B)

The central idea is that a life tenant must avoid waste, preserving the property's value for the person who will hold the property after the life estate ends. A life tenant can enjoy the land and use it, but they may not take actions that diminish its worth or deplete its resources for the future owner's benefit. This duty covers not altering the property in ways that permanently reduce value, not removing or destroying improvements, and not engaging in activities that would harm the property beyond reasonable maintenance. The life tenant is allowed to perform ordinary repairs and may collect rents needed for their support, and they can lease the property, but any use or arrangement must not constitute waste. So, the best answer is that the life tenant must not commit waste.