Property Flashcards
1
Q
Devisable
A
Can pass by will
2
Q
Descendible
A
Can pass by intestacy if holder dies intestate
3
Q
Alienable
A
Transferable intervivos (during holder’s lifetime)
4
Q
What is a fee simple?
A
1) Absolute ownership of potentially infinite duration; 2) Freely devisable, descendible, and alienable.
5
Q
Words to create a fee simple
A
“To A” (or “to A and A’s heirs” but not necessary)
6
Q
What is the future interest that accompanies a fee simple?
A
Nothing. O conveys all that O has to A. A’s heirs have nothing because a living person has no heirs. A has everything.
7
Q
Words to create a fee tail
A
“To A and the heirs of his body”
8
Q
What is a fee tail?
A
Historically, fee tail passed to the lineal blood descendants of grantee no matter what. Today, the attempted creation of a fee tail creates a fee simple absolute.
9
Q
What is the accompanying future interest of a fee tail?
A
In O, the interest is a reversion. In a 3d party, the interest is a remainder.
10
Q
What are the defeasible fees?
A
1) Fee simple determinable; 2) Fee simple subject to condition subsequent; 3) Fee simple subject to executory limitation
11
Q
How do you create a fee simple determinable?
A
Need clear durational language such as: “To A for so long as…”, “To A during…”, “To A until…”
12
Q
How does a fee simple determinable end?
A
If the stated condition is violated, forfeiture is automatic.
13
Q
What is a fee simple determinable?
A
A devisable, descendible, and alienable interest in land that passes subject to the condition stated.
14
Q
The Mick Jagger Rule of FSDs
A
You can’t always get what you want i.e. can’t transfer more than you have (fee subj to condition) w/o forfeiting estate.
15
Q
What future interest accompanies a fee simple determinable?
A
FSDPOR: Frank Sinatra Doesn’t Prefer Orville Redenbacher. Fee simple determinable possibility of reverter.
16
Q
How to create a fee simple subject to condition subsequent?
A
Grantor must use 1) clear durational language and 2) carve out the right to reenter. “To A, 1) but if X event occurs, 2) grantor reserves the right to re-enter and retake.”
17
Q
What is the difference between FSD and fee simple subject to condition subsequent?
A
FSD = automatic forfeiture if condition violated; FSSCS = estate can be cut short at grantor’s option if condition is violated.
18
Q
What future interest accompanies a fee simple subject to condition subsequent?
A
Right of entry a.k.a. power of termination.
19
Q
How to create a fee simple subject to executory limitation?
A
“To A, but if X event occurs, then to B.”
20
Q
What is a fee simple subject to executory limitation?
A
Just like an FSD but if the condition is violated the estate is automatically forfeited to someone other than O.
21
Q
What future interest accompanies a fee simple subject to executory limitation?
A
A shifting executory interest.
22
Q
What are the two important rules of statutory construction for defeasible fees?
A
1) Words of mere desire, hope or intention are insufficient to create a defeasible fee; 2) Absolute restraints on alienation are void.
23
Q
What does it mean when we say words of mere desire, hope or intention are insufficient to create a defeasible fee?
A
Courts favor free use of land. Need clear durational language to have an actionable condition.
24
Q
What does it mean when we say absolute restraints on alienation are void?
A
The absolute ban on the power to sell or transfer not linked to a reasonable tie limited purpose is void. If there’s a violation, construe as a fee simple.
25
What is a life estate?
An estate measure in explicit lifetime terms (never in terms of years).
26
How do you create a life estate?
"To A for life" grants A a life estate and A becomes the life tenant.
27
What future interest accompanies a life estate?
O has a reversion.
28
What is a life estate pur autre vie?
A life estate measured by a life other than the grantee's life.
29
What are the two distinguishing characteristics of the life estate?
1) The life tenant is entitled to all ordinary uses and profits of the land; 2) The life tenant must not commit waste or do anything to hurt future interest holders.
30
What are the three kinds of waste?
Voluntary, permissive, ameliorative
31
What is voluntary waste?
Overt conduct that causes a drop in value i.e. wilful destruction.
32
What is the rule about voluntary waste and natural resources for life tenants?
Life tenant must not consume or exploit natural resources unless one of four exceptions applies.
33
What are the exceptions to the rule about voluntary waste for life tenants?
PURGE. 1) Prior Use of the land was for exploitation; 2) life tenant may consume natural resources for Repairs and maintenance; 3) life tenant may exploit if Granted that right; 4) may exploit if land is suitable only for Exploitation.
34
What is permissive waste?
When land is allowed to fall into disrepair i.e. neglect.
35
What are the life tenant's obligations in the realm of permissive waste?
1) Must maintain the premises in reasonably good repair. 2) Must pay all ordinary taxes on the land to the extent of income or profits from land; if no income or profits, responsible only to the extent of the premises fair rental value.
36
What is ameliorative waste?
Life tenant must not engage in acts that will enhance the property's value unless all future interest holders are 1) known and 2) consent.
37
What is the future interest that accompanies the life estate?
If held by O, a reversion; if held by a third party, a remainder.
38
What are the present possessory categories of freehold estates?
Fee simple absolute, fee tail, defeasible fees, and life estates.
39
What are the future interests capable of creation in the grantor?
Possibility of reverter, right of entry, and reversion (reversion = default)
40
What is the possibility of reverter?
An interest in O that accompanies the FSD.
41
What is the right of entry (or power of termination)?
An interest in O that accompanies the fee simple subject to condition subsequent.
42
What is a reversion?
A future interest that arises in O who transfers an estate of lesser quantum than O started with, other than a FSD or FSSCS. This is the default.
43
What are the future interests that can be created in a transferee?
Vested remainder, contingent remainder, or executory interest
44
What are the three kinds of vested remainder?
Indefeasibly vested remainder, vested remainder subject to complete defeasances, and vested remainder subject to open.
45
What is a remainder?
A future interest created in a grantee that is capable of becoming possessory upon the expiration of a prior possessory estate created in the same conveyance in which the remainder is created.
46
What are the characteristics of a remainder?
1) Always accompanies a preceding estate of known fixed duration. 2) It never follows a defeasible fee and can't cut short or divest a prior transferee. Think FORREST GUMP.
47
What is a vested remainder?
A remainder that is both created in an ascertained person and is not subject to any condition precedent.
48
What is a contingent remainder?
A remainder created in an unascertained (unborn) person or is subject to a condition precedent, or both.
49
What is a condition precedent?
A condition that appears before the language creating the remainder or is woven into the grant to the remainderman.
50
How do conditions precedent relate to vested remainders?
If B satisfies the condition prior to the death of A (life grantee), his interest auto transforms into an indefeasibly vested remainder.
51
What is the Rule of Destructibility of Contingent Remainders?
At CL, a contingent remainder was destroyed if it was still contingent at the time the preceding estate ended.
52
What is the modern rule relating to the Rule of Destructibility of Contingent Remainders?
It's been abolished. If B has not met the condition when A dies, O or O's heirs take subject to B's springing executory interest.
53
What is the Rule in Shelley's Case?
Applies when O conveys "to A for life, then, on A's death, to A's heirs." If A is alive, the present and future interests would merge, giving A a fee simple absolute. This is a rule of law.
54
What is the modern version of the Rule in Shelley's Case?
It's been abolished. If O conveys "to A for life, then to A's heirs," A has a life estate and A's heirs as yet unknown have a contingent remainder. O has a reversion if A dies w/o heirs.
55
What is the Doctrine of Worthier Title?
Applies when O, who is alive, conveys "to A for life, and then to O's heirs." The rule transforms this so that A has a life estate and O has a reversion, so land can be transferred if parties consent. BUT! This is a rule of construction, so if O intends to create a contingent remainder in his heirs the intent is binding.
56
What is an indefeasibly vested remainder?
The holder is certain to acquire in the future with no strings attached (NSYNC).
57
What if the holder of an indefeasibly vested remainder dies before the original grantee?
The interest passes by will or intestacy.
58
What is a vested remainder subject to complete defeasance?
Remainderman's interest could be cut short because of a condition subsequent a.k.a. a string attached.
59
What is the comma rule?
When conditional language in a transfer follows language that, taken alone and set off by commas, would create a vested remainder, the condition is a condition subsequent and you have a vested remainder subject to complete defeasance. EX: "to A for life, remainder to B, provided that if B dies under age 25, to C." If the conditional language appears before the language creating the remainder, the condition is a condition precedent and you have a contingent remainder. EX: "to A for life, and if B has reached age 25, then to B."
60
What is a vested remainder subject to open?
A remainder is vested in a group of takers, at least one of whom is qualified to take, but each class member's share is subject to partial diminution because additional members can still join in.
61
Open v. closed class
Open = others can still join; closed = no others can join.
62
When does the class close?
When any member can demand possession. The rule of convenience demands this bright line even if there might be more class members at some undefined future point.
63
What is the womb rule?
A child of B in the womb at the time of A's death will share with the other members of the class.
64
What if a class member predeceases A?
At CL, their share goes to their devisees or heirs.
65
What is an executory interest?
A future interest created in a 3d party which is not a remainder and which takes effect by either cutting short some interest in another person (shifting) or in the grantor or his heirs (springing).
66
What is a shifting executory interest?
It always follows a defeasible fee and cuts short someone other than O. It does not matter who (A or B or X) has the power to trigger the premature forfeiture.
67
What is a springing executory interest?
An interest that cuts short O's interest.
68
What is the Rule Against Perpetuities (RAP)?
Some future interests are void if there is any possibility, however remote, that the given interest may vest more than 21 years after the death of a measuring life.
69
RAP does not apply to...
Any future interest in O, indefeasibly vested remainders, vested remainders subject to complete defeasance.
70
RAP applies to...
Contingent remainders, executory interests, and certain vested remainders subject to open.
71
Steps to addressing a RAP issue...
(1) Determine which future interests have been created by the conveyance and if the rule applies. (2) ID conditions precedent to the vesting of the suspect future interest. (3) Find a measuring life i.e. a person alive at the date of conveyance and ask whether that person's life or death i relevant to the condition's occurrence. (4) Ask: will we know with certainty w/in 21 years of the death of our measuring life if our future interest holder can or can't take?
72
What is the fertile octogenarian rule?
Presumes everyone is fertile no matter their age.
73
What are the two bright line rules of CL RAP?
(1) A gift to an open class that is conditions on the members surviving to an age beyond 21 violates CL RAP i.e. "bad as to one bad as to all." (2) Many shifting executory interests violate the RAP. An executory interest with no limit on the time w/in which it must vest violates RAP.
74
How do we solve if a conveyance has many shifting executory interests?
Get rid of the offensive future interest and evaluate. If the result is ungrammatical, strike entire clauses even if we get odd results.
75
What is the charity-to-charity exception?
A gift from one charity to another doesn't violate RAP because we want to encourage charitable gift giving.
76
What is the "wait and see" or "second look" doctrine?
A reform of RAP (majority) under which the validity of any suspect future interest is determined on the basis of the facts as they now exist at the end of the measuring life.
77
What is the Uniform Statutory Rule Against Perpetuities? *VA has this.
USRAP codifies the CL RAP and provides for an alternative 90 year vesting period.
78
Wait and see as well as USRAP embrace:
(1) Cy pres as near as possible to grantor's intent, and (2) if transfer depends on taker exceeding 21, we knock this down to 21.
79
What are the three concurrent estates?
Joint tenancy, tenancy by the entirety, and tenancy in common.
80
What is a joint tenancy?
Two or more own with a right of survivorship. These are disfavored so have to comply with rules of creation.
81
What is a tenancy by the entirety?
Joint ownership between married partners with right of survivorship.
82
What is a tenancy in common?
Two or more own with no right of survivorship.
83
What are the distinguishing characteristics of a joint tenancy?
(1) Right of survivorship i.e. when one tenant dies, his share automatically goes to surviving tenants; (2) a joint tenant's interest is alienable but is not devisable or descendable bc of 1. This means last JT alive gets to keep all.
84
How is a joint tenancy created?
1) Grantor must express the right of survivorship; (2) the four T-TIP unities i.e. tenants must take at the same TIME, by the same TITLE, with IDENTICAL interests, and the right to POSSESS the whole.
85
If you already own by title, how do you create a joint tenancy?
Use a straw. Convey to straw and have straw convey back to you and your JT as JTs w/ right of survivorship.
86
How can you sever joint tenancy?
SPAM: Sale, Partition and Merger
87
Can a joint tenant sell during his lifetime?
Yes, even if he does it in secret or w/o consent. Buyer is a tenant in common, but joint tenancy as to other JTs remains intact.
88
What is the effect of entering a contract for sale of her share of a joint tenancy?
It will sever the joint tenancy as to that contracting party's interest. Why? Equitable conversion provides "equity regards as done that which ought to be done."
89
Partition and its variations...
(1) Voluntary agreement i.e. peaceful; (2) partition in kind i.e. a court action for physical division of Blackacre if in the best interest of all parties works better if land is large and rural; (3) forced sale i.e. court action if in the best interests of all where BA is sold and proceeds divided proportionately.
90
What is mortgage?
One joint tenant's execution of a mortgage or lien on his or her share will sever the JT as to that now encumbered share only in the minority of states to follow the title theory of mortgages. Majority of states follow the lien theory of mortgages, where JT execution of mortgage on his or her interest will not sever the joint tenancy.
91
How do you create tenancy by the entirety?
In jurisdiction where it exists, any grant to married partners unless stated otherwise will create tenancy by the entirety.
92
What are the characteristics of tenancy by the entirety?
Can't touch this. Creditors of only one spouse can't touch the tenancy; unilateral conveyance by one spouse can't transfer to a 3d party.
93
What are the characteristics of a tenancy in common?
(1) Each co-tenant owns an individual part and right to possess the whole; (2) Each interest is devisable, descendible, and alienable w/o survivorship rights between tenants; (3) The presumption favors tenancy in common.
94
The nine rights and duties of co-tenants...
(1) Right to possess the whole and if one tenant excludes the other he commits wrongful ouster; (2) Tenant is not liable to others for rent; (3) Tenant who leases to a 3d party must account to co-tenants providing fair share of rental income; (4) Co-tenants cannot win by adverse possession; (5) Co-T responsible for fair share of carrying costs (taxes, mortgage); (6) Repairing co-T enjoys right of contribution provided she has told the others of the need; (7) No right to contributions for improvements but entitled to a credit or debit at partition; (8) A co-T must not commit waste; (9) Right to bring action for partition.
95
What are the four leasehold or nonfreehold estates?
Tenancy for years, periodic tenancy, tenancy at will, and tenancy at sufferance.
96
What is a tenancy for years?
Lease for a fixed period of time when you know the termination date from the outset.
97
How does a tenancy for years end?
Because a term of years states form the outset when it will terminate, no notice is needed to terminate.
98
How do you create a tenancy for years?
Must be in writing to be enforceable because of the Statute of Frauds.
99
What is a periodic tenancy?
Lease that continues for successive intervals until L or T give notice to terminate.
100
How do you create a periodic tenancy?
Expressly "to T from month to month (or year to year or week to week)." It can also arise by implication.
101
How can a periodic tenancy be created by implication?
(1) Land is leased w/o mention of duration but provision is made for the payment of rent at set intervals. (2) An oral term of years in violation of SOF creates an implied periodic tenancy measured by the way rent is tendered. (3) If L elects to holdover a T who has wrongfully stayed on past the conclusion of the original lease an implied periodic tenancy arises measured by the way rent is now tendered.
102
How can you terminate a periodic tenancy?
Written notice at least = to length of the period itself unless otherwise agreed. BUT! if tenancy is from year to year or greater only 6 mos. notice required (in VA 3 mos.). Parties may lengthen or shorten by K.
103
When does the tenancy terminate?
Must end at the conclusion of a natural lease period.
104
What is a tenancy at will?
A tenancy for no fixed duration. Unless parties expressly agree to a tenancy at will, the payment of a regular rent will cause a court to treat this as an implied periodic tenancy.
105
How can a tenancy at will be terminated?
By either party at any time BUT a reasonable demand to vacate is usually needed.
106
What is a tenancy at sufferance?
Created when T has wrongfully held over past the expiration of the lease.
107
Why do we have a tenancy at sufferance?
Need to give wrongdoer a leasehold to permit L to recover rent. It lasts until L evicts T or elects to hold T to a new tenancy.
108
What are tenant's duties?
(1) T's liability to 3d parties; (2) T's duty to repair; (3) T's duty to pay rent.
109
What is T's liability to 3d parties?
T is responsible for keeping the premises in good repair. T is liable for injuries sustained by 3d parties T invited even where L promised to make all repairs.
110
What is T's duty to repair when the lease is silent?
T must maintain premises and make ordinary repairs. T must not commit any of the three kinds of waste.
111
What is the law of fixtures?
When a tenant removes a fixture, she commits voluntary waste. T must not remove a fixture no matter that she installed it because fixtures pass with ownership of land.
112
What is a fixture?
A once movable chattel that by virtue of its annexation to realty OBJECTIVELY shows the intent to permanently improve the realty. EX: heating systems, custom storm windows, furnace, lighting installations.
113
How can you tell when a tenant installation qualifies as a fixture?
(1) An express agreement controls; (2) In the absence of agreement, T may remove a chattel she has installed as long as removal doesn't cause substantial harm to premises. If removal will cause substantial damage, then in objective judgment T has shown the intent to install a fixture and the fixture stays put.
114
What is T's duty to repair when T has expressly covenanted in the lease to maintain the property in good condition for the duration of the lease?
At CL, T was liable for any loss to the property including loss due to a force of nature. Today, the majority view is T may end the lease if the premises are destroyed w/o T's fault.
115
What happens when T breaches duty to pay rent and is in possession of the premises?
L's options are to evict thru courts or continue relationship and sue for rent due. If L moves to evict, entitled to rent form T form T until T at sufferance vacates.
116
What can a landlord not do?
Engage in self-help such as change locks, forcibly removing T, or removing T's possessions. Why? Punishable civilly and criminally.
117
What if T breaches duty to pay rent and is out of possession?
SIR. (1) Surrender i.e. chose to treat T's abandonment as an implicit offer of surrender which L accepts (must be in writing SOF if unexpired term is more than a year); (2) Ignore the abandonment and hold T responsible for unpaid rent (only available in minority states); (3) Re-let premises on wrongdoer T's behalf and hold him or her liable for any deficiency (must at least try in majority).
118
What is surrender?
T shows by words or actions that she wants to give up the lease.
119
What are the landlord's duties?
(1) Duty to deliver possession; (2) Implied covenant of quiet enjoyment; (3) Implied warrant of habitability; (4) Retaliatory eviction
120
What is the duty to deliver possession?
Majority rule requires L put T in actual possession of the premises. If at the start of T's lease prior holdover T is still in possession, L has breached and the new T gets damages. Minority rule is that L need only provides legal possession and not physical possession.
121
What is the implied covenant of quiet enjoyment?
T has a right to quiet use and enjoyment of premises w/o interference from L. Applies to both residential and commercial leases.
122
What happens if the implied covenant of quiet enjoyment is breached?
T can sue for (1) breach by actual wrongful eviction when L wrongfully evicts T or excludes T from the premises or (2) breach by constructive eviction i.e. SING.
123
What are the elements of constructive eviction?
SING. (1) Substantial Interference due to L's actions or failures; (2) Notice: T must give L notice of problem and L must fail to act meaningfully; (3) Goodbye: T must vacate w/in reasonable time after L fails to correct the problem.
124
Is landlord liable for acts of other tenants?
No. But exceptions for (1) L must not permit a nuisance on site and (2) L must control common areas.
125
What is the implied warranty of habitability?
The premises must be fit for basic human dwelling; bare living requirements must be met. The appropriate standard may be supplied by local housing code or case law. Applies only to residential leases and is non-waivable.
126
What happens when implied warranty of habitability is breached?
MR3: Move, Repair, Reduce Remain. Move out and end lease (not necessary); Repair and deduct allowable by statue in a growing number of jurisdictions; Reduce rent or withhold all rent until court determines fair rental value (must place into escrow to show GF); Remain in possession pay rent and affirmatively seek money damages.
127
What is retaliatory eviction?
If T lawfully reports L for housing code violations, L is barred from penalizing T by raising rent, ending the lease, harassing T or taking other reprisals.
128
Assignment v. sublease
In absence of some prohibition on lease, a T may freely transfer his or her interest in whole (assignment) or in part (sublease). L can prohibit T from assigning or subletting w/o L's prior written approval, but once L consents to one transfer by T, L waives right to object to future transfers by T unless L reserves the right.
129
What happens in assignment?
T transfers all interest to T2. As a result L and T2 are in privity of estate and are liable to each other for all covenants in the original lease that run w/ the land. Not in privity of K unless T2 assumed all promises in original lease. L and T remain in privity of K and are secondarily liable to each other.
130
What happens in a sublease?
L and S are in neither privity of estate nor privity of K. The share no nexus. Relationship between L and T remains fully intact.
131
What is the CL of caveat lessee?
Let tenant beware. In tort, L was under no duty to make premises safe.
132
What are the five most important exceptions to the CL caveat lessee?
CLAPS! (1) L must maintain all Common areas; (2) Latent defects rule: L must warn T of hidden defects L knows about or should know about; (3) Assumption of repairs: L who voluntarily makes repairs must complete them w/ reasonable care; (4) Public use rule: L who leases public spaces and show should know because of the nature of the defect and length of lease that T will not repair is liable for any defects; (5) Short term lease of furnished dwelling L is liable for any defect that harms T.
133
What are the types of servitudes?
Affirmative easements, negative easements, real covenants, equitable servitudes, and reciprocal negative servitudes.
134
What is an easement?
The grant of a nonpossessory property interest that entitles its holders to some form of use or enjoyment of another's land called the servient tenement.
135
What are typical examples of easements?
Privilege to lay utility lines on another's land, easement giving holder right of access across a tract of land.
136
What is an affirmative easement?
The right to do something on servient land.
137
What is a negative easement?
Entitles holder to prevent servient landowner from doing do something that would otherwise be permissible. Can only be created expressly by writing signed by grantor.
138
What are the types of negative easement?
LASS. Light, Air, Support, and Stream water form an artificial flow. (In CA, also neg easement for scenic view.)
139
What is an appurtenant easement?
Benefits holder in physical use or enjoyment of property. Requires two parcels of land i.e. the dominant tenement gets a benefit and servient tenement bears the burden.
140
What is an easement in gross?
Confers on holder only some personal or pecuniary advantage that is not related to use or enjoyment of his land. Servient land is burdened, but no dominant tenement. EX: right to place billboard, right to swim, utility right to lay lines.
141
Are appurtenant easements transferable?
They pass automatically w/ dominant tenement even if not mentioned in conveyance. The burden of the easement also passes unless the new owner is a bona fide purchaser w/o notice.
142
Are easements in gross transferable?
Not unless it is for commercial use.
143
How do you create an affirmative easement?
PING. Proscription, implication, necessity, or grant.
144
What is a grant (in affirmative easement context)?
An easement to endure for more than one year that must be in writing that complies with the formal elements of a deed.
145
What is arises by implication (in affirmative easement context)?
Court may imply an easement if previous use was apparent and parties expected that the use would continue because it is reasonably necessary to the dominant land's use and enjoyment.
146
What is arises by necessity (in affirmative easement context)?
In a landlocked setting, an easement of right of way will be implied by necessity if grantor conveys a portion of his land w/ no way out except over some part of grantor's remaining land.
147
What is arises by prescription (in affirmative easement context)?
Easement may be acquired by satisfying the elements of adverse possession. COAH.
148
What is the scope of the easement?
Determined by the terms or conditions that created it.
149
How can an easement be terminated?
END CRAMP. 1) Estoppel; 2) Necessity; 3) Destruction of servient land; 4) Condemnation of the servient estate; 5) Release; 6) Abandonment; 7) Merger doctrine; 8) Prescription.
150
What is estoppel (for purposes of terminating an easement)?
Servient owner materially changes position in reasonable reliance on the easement holder's assurances that the easement will not be enforced.
151
What is necessity (for purposes of terminating an easement)?
Easements created by necessity expire as soon as the need ends. If the easement, attributable to necessity, was nonetheless created by express grant it will not end when the need ends.
152
What is destruction (for purposes of terminating an easement)?
Destruction of the servient land, other than through the willful conduct of the servient oner ends the easement.
153
What is condemnation (for the purposes of terminating an easement)?
Condemnation of the serivent estate by imminent domain ends the easement.
154
What is release (for the purposes of terminating an easement)?
A written release, given by easement holder to the servient owner.
155
What is abandonment (for the purposes of terminating an easement)?
The easement holder must demonstrate by PHYSICAL ACTION the intent to never use the easement again. Nonuse or mere words are insufficient to terminate.
156
What is merger doctrine (for the purposes of terminating an easement)?
The easement is extinguished when title to the easement and title to the servient land become vested in the same person. Later separation does not revive the easement.
157
What is prescription (for the purposes of terminating an easement)?
Servient owner may extinguish the easement by interfering with it in accordance with the elements of adverse possession. Re: COAH.
158
How else does VA law allow an easement to be terminated?
Statute allows termination by cessation of purpose i.e. easement terminated when the original purpose no longer exists.
159
What is a license?
Mere privilege to enter another's land for a delineated purpose.
160
Licenses are not subject to...
The statute of frauds i.e. you don't need a writing.
161
What are the characteristics of licenses?
They are freely revocable, at the will of the licensor, unless estoppel bars revocation.
162
What are the classic license cases?
1) Tickets. 2) Neighbors talking by the fence (if oral easement, construe as license).
163
When will estoppel bar revocation of a license?
When the licensee has invested substantial money, labor, or both in reasonable reliance on the license's continuation.
164
What does VA law do with an irrevocable license?
Equitable easement. How is it tested? Oral grant of easement relied on by licensee can give rise to equitable easement.
165
What is a profit?
It entitles the holder to enter the servient land and take from it the soil or some substance of the soil such as mineral, timber, or oil.
166
What are the rules of profit?
Shares all the rules of easements.
167
What is a covenant?
A promise to do or not do something related to land.
168
How is the covenant unlike an easement?
It is not the grant of a property interest, but rather a contractual limitation or promise regarding the land.
169
Can a covenant be negative?
Yes. The restrictive covenant is a promise to refrain from doing something related to land. This is the most common kind of covenant.
170
What is an affirmative covenant?
A promise to do something related to land.
171
How do you know whether to construe a promise as a covenant or equitable servitude?
On the basis of the remedy P seeks. If P wants damages, construe as a covenant; if P wants an injunction, construe as an equitable servitude.
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What are the terms for covenanted land?
One tract is burdened by the promise and another is benefited.
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What is horizontal privity?
The relationship created when A promises to B to do something that burdens her land and benefits B. Refers to the nexus between the original parties.
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What is vertical privity?
The relationship between A and A-1 or between B and B-1.
175
When will the covenant run with the land and bind successors?
1) When the burden of A's promise to B runs form A to A-1 and 2) when the benefit of A's promise to B runs from B to B-1. Always analyze burdened side first.
176
When does the burden of A's promise to B run from A to A-1?
WITHN. (W) The promise was Written. (I) The original parties Intended the covenant would run. (T) The promise must Touch and concern the land. (H) Horizontal (this is the sticking point and why we usually fail) and vertical privity required. (N) A-1 had Notice when she took.
177
What does it mean to touch and concern the land?
Promise must affect the parties' legal relations as landowners and not simply as members of the public at large. Must be "of and pertaining to" Blackacre.
178
For the national test, what about covenants to pay money to be used in connection with the land and covenants not to compete?
They DO touch and concern the land.
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For the VA test, does a covenant not to compete touch and concern the land?
NO. This is a minority view.
180
What does horizontal privity require?
Parties must be in succession of estate i.e. they were in a grantor-grantee, landlord-tenant, or mortgagor-mortgagee relationship to make the covenant at the time the relationship was created.
181
What does vertical privity require?
Some non-hostile connection such as K, devise or descent. Only time it doesn't exist is adverse possession.
182
When does the benefit of A's promise run from B to B-1?
WITV. (W) Original promise in Writing; (I) Original parties Intended benefit to run; (T) Promise Touches and concerns the land and parties as landowners; (V) Vertical privity i.e. non-hostile nexus between B and B-1.
183
What is an equitable servitude?
A promise that equity will enforce against successors. It is accompanied by injunctive relief.
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How do you create an equitable servitude that will bind successors?
WITNES. (W) Original promise generally in Writing; (I) Parties Intend to bind successors; (T) Promise Touches and concerns the land; (N) successors had Notice of the promise; (ES) Equitable Servitude.
185
What is an implied equitable servitude?
General or common scheme doctrine. Courts imply a reciprocal negative servitude to hold an unrestricted lot holder to the restrictive covenant if (1) when the sales began subdivider had a general scheme of residential development that included D's lot and (2) D had notice of the promise contained in the prior deeds.
186
How do we impute notice?
AIR. Actual, literal knowledge of promises in prior deeds; Inquiry notice i.e. lay of the land indicates there's a common restriction in place; Record notice i.e. imputed to buyers on basis of publicly recorded documents.
187
What's the deal with record notice?
Court split. Some say buyer is on record notice of contents of prior deeds transferred to others by a common grantor. The BETTER view is that buyer does not have notice of the contents of prior deeds transferred to OTHERS by common grantor.
188
What is the defense to enforcement of an equitable servitude?
Changed circumstances must be alleged by party seeking release. They must be so pervasive that the entire area has changed. Mere pockets of limited change are never good enough.
189
What is adverse possession?
Possession for a statutorily prescribed period of time can if certain elements are met ripen into title.
190
What are the elements of adverse possession?
COAH. Continuous (uninterrupted for the statutory period); Open and Notorious (the sort of possession the usual owner would make); Actual; and Hostile (no owner consent).
191
What is not necessary for adverse possession?
Possessor's subjective state of mind.
192
What is tacking with respect to adverse possession?
One adverse possessor may tack on to his time with the land his predecessor's time, so long as there is privity, which is satisfied by any non-hostile nexus, such as blood, K, deed, or will BUT NOT when there as been ouster.
193
What is the rule about disability and adverse possession?
The SOL will not run against a true owner who is afflicted by a disability (insanity, infancy, or imprisonment) at the START of adverse possession.
194
What are the two steps in conveyance of real estate?
1) The land contract which endures until step 2; 2) The closing, where the deed becomes the operative document.
195
What is the standard for the land contract?
It must be in writing signed by the party to be bound (buyer and seller). It must describe Blackacre and state some consideration.
196
What if the land contract states an amount of land that is more than the actual size of the parcel?
Buyer gets specific performance w/ pro rata reduction in price.
197
What is the doctrine of part performance?
An exception to statute of frauds where, if you have any two of (1) B taking possession, (2) B pays all or part of the price, and/or (3) B makes substantial improvement, the doctrine is satisfied and equity will decree specific performance of an oral K for the sale of land.
198
How do we solve the problem of risk of loss?
The doctrine of equitable conversion. Equity regards as done that which ought to be done. Once K is signed, B owns the land. B bears the risk of loss between K and closing unless K states otherwise.
199
What are the two implied promises in every land K?
(1) Seller promises to convey marketable title AT THE CLOSING; (2) Seller promises not to make any false statements of material fact.
200
What is the standard for conveying marketable title?
Title free form reasonable doubt, free form lawsuits, and the threat of litigation.
201
What circumstances will render title unmarketable?
(1) Adverse possession bc need good record title; (2) Encumbrances i.e. servitudes and mortgages render title unmarketable unless B waives them (but seller has a right to satisfy outstanding mortgage at closing w/ proceeds of the sale); (3) Zoning violations.
202
What do the majority of states hold a seller liable for when it comes to false statements of material fact?
Failing to disclose latent material defects, material lies and omissions. Silence is not golden.
203
Do disclaimers excuse sellers from obligation to not make any false statements of material fact?
If K contains general disclaimer, it doesn't excuse seller from liability for fraud or failure to disclose.
204
What warranties does the land K not include?
Implied warranties of fitness or habitability. CL norm is caveat emptor. EXCEPTION is that the implied warranty of fitness and workmanlike construction applies to the sale of anew home by a builder-vendor.
205
What document controls after the closing?
The deed.
206
How does the deed pass legal title form seller to buyer?
LEAD. Lawfully executed and delivered.
207
What is the standard for lawful execution and delivery?
Deed must be in writing and signed by grantor. It need not recite consideration nor must consideration pass to make the deed valid.
208
How does the deed have to describe the land?
Doesn't have to be perfect. Property requires only an unambiguous description and good LEAD.
209
What is the delivery requirement for the deed?
Satisfied when grantor physically transfers deed to grantee. It is permissible to use the mail, a messenger, or an agent.
210
What does delivery of a deed not require?
Physical transfer of the deed itself. It is a test solely of present intent. Does the grantor have the present intent to be bound irrespective of whether the deed was handed over?
211
What happens if the recipient rejects the deed?
Defeats delivery. But! Rejection must be express.
212
What if the deed is conveyed with an oral condition?
Oral condition drops out because not provable and delivery is done.
213
Can a deed be delivered by escrow?
Yes. Grantor may deliver an executed deed to a 3d party known as an escrow agent with instructions that the deed be delivered to grantee once certain conditions are met. Title passes when conditions are met.
214
What is the advantage of passing a deed by escrow?
If grantor dies or becomes incompetent or is unavailable before express conditions are met, title still passes from escrow agent to grantee once conditions are met.
215
What are the three types of deed?
Quitclaim, General Warranty, and Statutory Special Warranty
216
What is a quitclaim deed?
Contains no covenants. Grantor isn't even promising he has title to convey. BUT grantor implicitly promises in land K to provide marketable title at closing. Any problems post-closing gets grantor off the hook.
217
What is a general warranty deed?
Best deed buyer could hope for. Present grantor assumes all defects of title including those due to grantor's predecessors.
218
What six covenants does a general warranty deed invlude?
Seisin, right to convey, against encumbrances, quiet enjoyment, warranty, further assurances.
219
What are the present covenants in a general warranty deed?
A present covenant is breaches at the moment of delivery, and SOL begins to run at moment of delivery. They are the covenant of seisin, right to convey, against encumbrances.
220
What is the covenant of seisin?
Grantor owns the estate.
221
What is the covenant of right to convey?
Grantor has power to transfer. No restraints on alienation and grantor under no disability.
222
What is the covenant against encumbrances?
No servitude or mortgages on land.
223
What are the future covenants in a general warranty deed?
They are not breached if ever until grantee is disturbed in possession, so SOL runs from that future date. They are the covenants for quiet enjoyment, warrant, and further assurances.
224
What is the covenant for quiet enjoyment?
Grantee won't be disturbed by 3d party's lawful claim of title.
225
What is the covenant of warranty?
Grantor will defend grantee against lawful claims of title brought by others.
226
What is the covenant for further assurances?
Grantor will do whatever is needed in the future to perfect title.
227
What is the statutory special warranty deed?
Deed contains two promises that grantor makes only on behalf of himself. (1) Grantor promises he hasn't conveyed Blackacre to anyone other than grantee and (2) Blackacre is free from encumbrances made by grantor.
228
What are the TWO BRIGHT LINE recording system rules?
(1) If B is a bona fide purchaser and we are in a notice jurisdiction, B wins, regardless of whether or not she records before A does. (2) If B is a bona fide purchaser and we are in a race-notice jurisdiction, B wins if she records properly before A does.
229
Is VA a notice or race-notice jurisdiction?
Notice.
230
Who do recording acts protect?
Bona fide purchasers and mortgagees (creditors). Does not protect heirs or devisees w/o Shelter Rule.
231
Who is a bona fide purchaser?
One who buys Blackacre for value and w/o notice that someone else got there first.
232
What does it mean to be a purchaser "for value"?
As long as B remits substantial pecuniary consideration, he is a buyer for value. Doesn't matter if B gets a good deal.
233
What is actual notice?
Prior to B's closing, B learns of A (prior purchaser).
234
What is inquiry notice?
B is on inquiry notice of whatever an exam of Blackacre would show. Creates a duty to inspect. EX: if A is in possession, B has inquiry notice. EX 2: if recorded instrument makes reference to unrecorded document, B has inquiry notice of whatever a reasonable follow up would show.
235
What is record notice?
B is on record notice of A's deed if at the time B takes, A's deed was properly recorded.
236
What does a "notice statute" look like?
A conveyance of an interest in land shall not be valid against any subsequent purchaser for value, w/o notice thereof, unless the conveyance is recorded. (Translation: if B is BFP when he takes, he wins.)
237
What does a "race-notice" statute look like?
Any conveyance of an interest in land shall not be valid against any subsequent purchaser for value, w/o notice thereof, whose conveyance is first recorded. (Must be a BFP AND first to record.)
238
What's odd about VA's recording rules?
VA is a notice state, but Sup Ct held to prevail you must be a BFP who wins the race to record.
239
How must a deed be recorded in order to give record notice?
Must be recorded properly w/in the Chain of Title.
240
What is the chain of title?
Sequence of recorded documents capable of giving record notice to later takers. In most states, the chain of title is established through a title search of the grantor/grantee index.
241
What are the three discrete chain of title problems?
The shelter rule, the problem of the wild deed, and estoppel by deed.
242
What is the Shelter Rule?
One who takes from a BFP will prevail against any entity that the transferor BFP would have prevailed against i.e. transferee "takes shelter" in status of transferor and steps into the shoes of the BFP though he would otherwise fail to meet requirements for BFP status.
243
What is the aim of the Shelter Rule?
Protect B by making it easier to transfer successfully (even though C may not deserve this).
244
What is the problem of the Wild Deed?
If a deed, entered on the record (A to B), has a grantor unconnected to the chain of title (O to A), the deed is a wild deed. It is incapable of giving record notice of its existence. B's recording is a nullity.
245
What is Estoppel by Deed?
One who conveys realty in which he has no interest is estopped from denying the validity of that conveyance if he later acquires the previously transferred interest.
246
How does one create a mortgage?
Conveyance of a security interest in land intended by the parties to be collateral for the repayment of a debt.
247
What are the two elements of mortgage?
Union of 1) debt and 2) voluntary lien in debtor's land to secure the debt.
248
What do we call the parties in a mortgage?
DebtOR is the mortgagOR; and creditor is mortgagee.
249
What about the mortgage and SOF?
Must typically be in writing to satisfy SOF. This is a legal mortgage evidenced by writing. Also called note, mortgage deed, security interest in land, deed of trust, sale leaseback.
250
What is an equitable mortgage?
Instead of executing a note or mortgage deed, O hands creditor a deed to Blackacre that is absolute on its face. Parole evidence is allowed to show parties' intent.
251
Can a holder of an equitable mortgage sell the land?
NO. Title will transfer to purchaser, but mortgagor can sue mortgagee for fraud and sale proceeds.
252
Once a mortgage has been created, what are the parties' rights?
Unless and until foreclosure, debtor has title and right to possess. Creditor has lien i.e. the right to look to Blackacre in the event of a default.
253
Can parties to a mortgage transfer their interests?
Yes. Mortgages automatically follow a properly transferred note.
254
How can a creditor-mortgagee transfer his interest in a mortgage?
(1) Endorsing note and delivering to transferee OR (2) execute separate document of assignment.
255
What are the mortgage transferee's rights?
If note is endorsed and delivered, transferee is eligible to become a holder in due course i.e. he takes the not free of an personal defenses that could have been raised against the original creditor. Holder in due course is subject to real defenses that the maker might raise.
256
What are the personal defenses that may be raised in mortgage claims?
Lack of consideration, fraud in inducement, unconscionability, waiver, or estoppel.
257
What are the real defenses to a mortgage?
MAD FIFI4. Material Alteration; Duress; Fraud In the Factum (lie about instrument); Incapacity; Illegality; Infancy; Insolvency.
258
What criteria must be met to be a holder in due course?
The note must be negotiable (payable to named mortgagee); the original must be endorsed by named mortgagee; the original must be delivered to the transferee; the transferee must take note in GF w/o notice of any illegality; and transferee must pay value for the note.
259
What happens to the lien of the debtor sells the land?
The lien remains on the land as long as the mortgage was properly recorded. All recording statutes apply ot mortgages as well as deeds.
260
Who is personally liable on the debt if O, debtor, sells Blackacre to B?
Both O and B are personally liable because B has "assumed the mortgage." B is primarily liable; O remains secondarily liable.
261
What if B takes subject to the mortgage?
B assumes no personal liability. Only O is personally liable. But if recorded the mortgage sticks with the land. If O doesn't pay, the mortgage may be foreclosed.
262
If mortgagee must look to the land for satisfaction, how must he proceed?
Mortgage must be foreclosed by proper judicial action. The land is sold and sale proceeds go to paying attorney's fees, foreclosure expenses, and any accrued interest on the mortgage, and then satisfying the debt.
263
What if the proceeds from the sale of the land are too little to satisfy the debt?
Mortgagee may bring a deficiency action against the debtor.
264
What if there is a surplus in the proceeds from the sale of the land?
Junior liens are paid in order of priority, and then any remaining surplus goes to the debtor.
265
What is the effect of foreclosure on various interests?
Terminates interest junior to the mortgage being foreclosed but will not affect senior interests. Junior lienholders can get paid after all superior lienholders are satisfied in full, and can sue for a deficiency judgment for whatever is unsatisfied.
266
Who are the parties with interests subordinate to those of the foreclosing party?
Necessary parties to the foreclosure action.
267
Is the debtor-mortgagor a necessary party?
Yes. And he must be joined, particularly if creditor wishes to proceed against debtor for a personal deficiency judgment.
268
What is the effect of failure to include a necessary party?
Preservation of that party's claim, despite the foreclosure and sale i.e. his mortgage remains on the land.
269
What is the effect of foreclosure on senior interests?
None. Buyer at the sale takes subject to such interests. Buyers is not personally liable on senior debt, but senior creditor can foreclose on the land if not paid. SO! Foreclosure sale buyer has a strong interest to pay off the lien.
270
How is bidding likely at the foreclosure sale?
Buyer should bid Blackacre's FMV minus the money buyer needs to pay off senior lienholders.
271
As a creditor, what must you do to get priority as mortgagee?
Record. Until you properly record, no priority.
272
What is the rule once the priority is recorded?
First in time first in right.
273
What is a purchase money mortgage?
A mortgage given to secure a loan that enables the debtor to acquire the encumbered land. Creditor takes a superpriority interest in whatever parcel of land his extension of value enabled O to acquire.
274
What is an after-acquired collateral clause?
Interest in all holdings "whether now owned or hereafter acquired." Permissible, but doesn't beat a purchase money mortgage superpriority.
275
What about subordination agreements?
Allowed. A senior creditor may agree to subordinate priority to a junior creditor.
276
What is redemption in equity or equitable redemption?
Universally recognized up to the date of sale. At any time prior to the foreclosure sale, debtor can try to redeem the land. Right disappears after valid foreclosure has taken place.
277
How is the right of equitable redemption exercised?
By paying off missed payments and interest and cost.
278
What if the mortgage or note contained an acceleration clause?
Permits the mortgagee to declare the full balance due in the event of a default. If the mortgage contains an acceleration clause, the full balance and interest and costs must be paid to redeem.
279
May the debtor-mortgagor waive the right to redeem in the mortgage itself?
No. This is known as clogging the equity of redemption. It is unenforceable to extract waivers on the front end.
280
What is statutory redemption?
NOT RECOGNIZED IN VA. Gives debtor a right to redeem for some fixed period after the foreclosure sale has occurred. It applies after foreclosure, and the amount paid is usually the foreclosure sale price rather than the amount of original debt.
281
In states recognizing statutory redemption, what right does the mortgagor have?
Right to possess Blackacre during the statutory period.
282
When a mortgagor redeems in statutory redemption period, what is the effect?
Nullifies the foreclosure sale. Redeeming owner is restored to title.
283
What is lateral support?
If land is improved by buildings and an adjacent landowner's excavation causes that improved land to cave in, the excavator will be liable only if negligent.
284
When does strict liability attach to the excavator's actions?
When because of D's actions, P's improved land would have collapsed even in its natural state i.e. P's improvements on land didn't contribute to his land's collapse.
285
What are the two major systems for determining the allocation of water in water-courses?
(1) Riparian doctrine and (2) Prior appropriation doctrine.
286
What is the riparian doctrine?
Water belongs to those who own the land. These people are "riparians" who share the right of reasonable use of water. One riparian is not liable to another unless he unreasonably interferes with others' uses.
287
What is the prior appropriation doctrine?
Water belongs initially to the state, but the right to divert it and use it can be acquired by an individual regardless of whether or not he happens to be a riparian owner.
288
How are rights determined under the prior appropriation doctrine?
Priority of beneficial use i.e. first in time first in right. B can acquire the right to divert and use water form a watercourse merely by being the first to do so. Any productive use of the water is sufficient to create the appropriation right.
289
What is groundwater?
Water beneath the surface of the earth that is not confined to a known channel.
290
What is the rule about groundwater?
The surface owner is entitled to make reasonable use, but the use must not be wasteful.
291
What are surface waters?
Those which come from rain, springs, or melting snow, and which have not yet reached a natural watercourse or basins.
292
What is the common enemy rule?
Surface water stagnates and doesn't belong. It's harmful, and it's our nemesis. A landowner may change drainage or make any other changes/improvements to combat the flow of surface water (but courts have modified so that you can't unnecessarily harm others' lands in so doing).
293
What are the possessor's rights?
To be free from trespass and nuisance.
294
What is trespass?
The invasion of land by tangible physical objects. To remove, bring action for ejectment.
295
What is private nuisance?
Substantial and unreasonable interference with another's land use. Unlike trespass, no physical invasion required i.e. odors and noise give rise to nuisance but not trespass.
296
Can a hypersensitive plaintiff win in nuisance?
No. Not if the nuisance only exists due to the hypersensitivity.
297
What is eminent domain?
The government's 5th Am power to take private property for public use in exchange for just compensation.
298
What are explicit takings?
Acts of governmental condemnation.
299
What are implicit or regulatory takings?
A governmental regulation that although not intended to be a taking has the same effect.
300
What is the remedy for a regulatory taking?
Either (1) compensation or (2) terminate the regulation and pay for damages that incurred while it was in effect.
301
What is zoning?
Pursuant to police powers, the government may enact statutes to reasonably control land use.
302
What must a proponent show to get a variance from a zoning ordinance?
(1) Undue hardship. (2) The variance won't work detriment to surrounding property values.
303
How is a variance granted?
By administrative action.
304
What if land was once used for a lawful purpose but it is deemed non-conforming by a new zoning ordinance?
Ordinance cannot be eliminated all at once unless just compensation is paid. Otherwise, it could be deemed an unconstitutional taking.
305
What is an unconstitutional exaction?
Those amenities government seeks in exchange for granting permission to build. To pass constitutional scrutiny, they must be reasonably related in nature and scope to the impact of the proposed development.
