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Quizzes > Business & Finance > Business & Industry

Real Property Ownership Quiz: Dive Into Fee Simple Defeasible Estates

Think you can master emblements real estate examples and fee simple defeasible estates? Start the quiz!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of land deeds, plants, and geometric shapes on teal background for real property quiz challenge

Ready to test your real property interests and uncover critical deed condition implications? Dive into our Fee Simple Defeasible Estates Quiz and discover which statement regarding fee simple defeasible estates is true. Along the way, you'll explore forms of property ownership, see practical emblements real estate examples in action, and strengthen your understanding of reversionary rights. Perfect for agents, students or homeowners aiming to master real estate law, this free, interactive challenge combines quick questions with detailed insights on real property interests. Feeling curious? Take the quiz now and boost your expertise today!

Which defeasible estate automatically terminates and reverts to the grantor upon the occurrence of a specified event?
Fee simple subject to condition subsequent
Fee simple subject to executory interest
Life estate
Fee simple determinable
A fee simple determinable automatically ends and the property reverts to the grantor when a specified event occurs. It is indicated by durational language such as "so long as," "while," or "until." This is explained in detail on Cornell's Legal Information Institute website. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/fee_simple_defeasible
Which phrase typically signals a fee simple determinable?
During
Provided that
So long as
But if
Durational language like "so long as," "while," "during," and "until" indicates a fee simple determinable. When the condition is breached, the estate ends automatically. See Cornell's definition for more examples. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/fee_simple_defeasible
Which future interest is retained by the grantor in a fee simple determinable?
Right of entry
Executory interest
Possibility of reverter
Reversion
In a fee simple determinable, the grantor retains a possibility of reverter, which automatically vests when the condition ends. There is no need for the grantor to take action. More detail is available at Cornell's Legal Information Institute. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/possibility_of_reverter
Which phrase is characteristic of a fee simple subject to condition subsequent?
While
So long as
During
But if
Conditional language like "but if," "on condition that," or "provided that" indicates a fee simple subject to condition subsequent. The grantor must take action to reclaim the estate upon breach. See more at Cornell Law. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/fee_simple_defeasible
Which future interest allows the grantor the right to retake property upon breach of a condition subsequent?
Right of survivorship
Right of entry
Possibility of reverter
Executory interest
A right of entry (also called power of termination) is the grantor's option to retake property when a condition subsequent is breached. It is not automatic and requires the grantor to act. Cornell's LII explains this distinction. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/right_of_entry
Which estate is potentially infinite in duration and not subject to any conditions?
Fee tail
Life estate
Fee simple determinable
Fee simple absolute
A fee simple absolute is the maximum estate in land with unlimited duration, freely alienable, and not subject to conditions. It is not defeasible or conditional. For more, see Cornell's overview of property estates. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/fee_simple
Which phrase would NOT indicate a defeasible estate?
Forever
So long as
Until
On condition that
Language such as "forever," "absolute," or "in fee simple" indicates an estate without conditions. Durational or conditional phrases signal defeasible estates. Cornell Law's definitions clarify these distinctions. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/fee_simple
Emblements, or crops growing annually, are classified as:
Personal property
Chattels real
Fixtures
Real property
Emblements are annual crops considered personal property, even though they are attached to the land. They survive a sale of the land if planted by a tenant. Cornell LII explains this concept. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/emblements
Which form of concurrent ownership includes a right of survivorship and four unities?
Tenancy in common
Community property
Tenancy by the entirety
Joint tenancy
Joint tenancy requires unity of time, title, interest, and possession and carries a right of survivorship. When one joint tenant dies, the interest passes to the others. For more, see Cornell LII on joint tenancy. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/joint_tenancy
Which concurrent estate allows each owner to have an undivided interest with no right of survivorship?
Tenancy in common
Joint tenancy
Community property
Tenancy by the entirety
In a tenancy in common, owners hold separate undivided interests and may transfer them freely, with no survivorship rights. Each share can be different in size. See Cornell's LII for details. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/tenancy_in_common
Which co-ownership form is only available to married couples and includes survivorship rights?
Tenancy by the entirety
Community property
Joint tenancy
Tenancy in common
Tenancy by the entirety is limited to married couples and includes right of survivorship. Neither spouse alone can sever the tenancy. More is explained by Cornell LII. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/tenancy_by_the_entirety
Which interest follows a fee simple subject to executory interest?
Possibility of reverter
Reversion
Right of entry
Executory interest
A fee simple subject to executory interest passes to a third party (not the grantor) upon breach. This interest is called an executory interest and is neither a reversion nor right of entry. Cornell LII provides a clear explanation. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/executory_interest
Which estate is measured by the life of a person and terminates upon that person's death?
Fee simple absolute
Life estate
Fee simple determinable
Estate for years
A life estate grants rights for the duration of a life, often the life tenant's, and ends at death. It is nontransferable beyond the measuring life. See Cornell's definition for more clarity. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/life_estate
Which phrase would most likely indicate a fee simple absolute?
To A and her heirs forever
To A but if
To A on condition
To A so long as
The words "to A and her heirs forever" convey a fee simple absolute, the largest possible estate. It lacks any condition or durational language. Legal dictionaries confirm this as the typical conveyance. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/fee_simple
Which future interest is created in a third party rather than the grantor?
Possibility of reverter
Executory interest
Right of entry
Reversion
An executory interest is a future interest in a third party that cuts short the prior estate upon a condition. It differs from a reversion or right of entry because it vests in someone other than the grantor. See Cornell LII for a detailed discussion. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/executory_interest
Which of these is NOT a defeasible estate?
Fee simple determinable
Fee simple subject to executory interest
Life estate
Fee simple subject to condition subsequent
A life estate is measured by the life of a person and is not defeasible upon a condition. Defeasible estates are fee simples that can end upon a specified event. Cornell's resources confirm these distinctions. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/life_estate
Which future interest does the grantor hold when conveying a fee simple subject to condition subsequent?
Right of entry
Executory interest
Possibility of reverter
Reversion
In fee simple subject to condition subsequent, the grantor retains a right of entry and must take action to reclaim the estate upon breach. This differs from automatic reversion. See Cornell LII for more detail. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/right_of_entry
What must the grantor do to reclaim land under a fee simple subject to condition subsequent?
File a reversion notice
Exercise the right of entry
Obtain an executory interest
Wait for automatic reverter
The grantor must affirmatively exercise the right of entry to terminate the estate. It does not revert automatically. The process is described on Cornell's Legal Information Institute website. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/right_of_entry
Which rule prevents future interests from vesting too remotely?
Statute of frauds
Doctrine of merger
Rule in Shelley's case
Rule against perpetuities
The Rule Against Perpetuities ensures interests vest, if at all, within lives in being plus 21 years, preventing remote vesting. It applies to many future interests, including executory interests. For details, see Cornell LII. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/rule_against_perpetuities
Which defeasible estate is most likely to violate the Rule Against Perpetuities?
Fee simple absolute
Fee simple determinable
Fee simple subject to executory interest
Fee simple subject to condition subsequent
Executory interests must vest within the perpetuities period or be void. A fee simple subject to executory interest frequently raises RAP issues. Cornell LII explains these applications. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/executory_interest
When O grants "to A so long as used for parks," and A uses it as a store, what interest arises?
Possibility of reverter in O
Reversion in A
Right of entry in O
Executory interest in a third party
The grant uses durational language ("so long as"), creating a fee simple determinable. Upon non-park use, the possibility of reverter automatically vests in O. Cornell LII clarifies this event. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/fee_simple_defeasible
What distinguishes a shifting executory interest from a springing executory interest?
Shifting cuts short another grantee's interest, springing cuts short the grantor's
Shifting involves fee simple, springing involves life estate
Shifting vests immediately, springing vests later
Shifting is automatic, springing requires action
A shifting executory interest divests a prior grantee, while a springing interest divests the grantor. Both are executory interests but differ in who is divested. Cornell LII provides definitions and examples. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/executory_interest
Which doctrine prevents conditions that violate public policy in defeasible estates?
Doctrine of merger
Public policy doctrine
Rule in Shelley's case
Doctrine of part performance
Courts may strike down conditions that contravene public policy even if language is clear. This prevents discriminatory or unreasonable conditions in property grants. See commentary at Cornell LII. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/public_policy
If land is granted "to B, but if B ever sells liquor, then to C," what estate does B hold?
Fee simple subject to condition subsequent
Fee simple subject to executory interest
Fee simple determinable
Life estate
The language "but if… then to C" creates a shifting executory interest in C. B holds a fee simple subject to an executory interest, cutting B's estate short upon breach. Cornell LII describes this estate. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/fee_simple_defeasible
Which interest is vested if it is given to an ascertained person and not subject to any condition precedent?
Executory interest
Contingent remainder
Possibility of reverter
Vested remainder
A vested remainder is given to an ascertained person with no conditions precedent. It will become possessory upon expiration of the prior estate. Cornell LII defines contingent versus vested remainders. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/remainder
Which future interest is ALWAYS subject to the Rule Against Perpetuities?
Possibility of reverter
Right of entry
Reversion
Executory interest
Executory interests must comply with the Rule Against Perpetuities or be void. Possibilities of reverter, reversions, and rights of entry held by grantors are exempt. Cornell LII explains which interests are subject. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/rule_against_perpetuities
When a condition in a defeasible fee is ambiguous, courts typically:
Ignore the ambiguity
Convert to life estate
Favor construing it as fee simple absolute
Apply the condition literally
Ambiguous conditions are strictly construed against defeasible estates, favoring a fee simple absolute. Courts avoid creating estates that end on unclear terms. See Cornell Law commentary on property construction. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/ambiguity
Which mechanism allows courts to modify a future interest that violates the Rule Against Perpetuities?
Doctrine of merger
Cy pres doctrine
Rule in Shelley's case
Equitable conversion
Under cy pres, courts can reform a conveyance to approximate the grantor's intent when RAP is violated. It preserves valid interests while striking invalid ones. Cornell LII discusses cy pres in property. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/cy_pres
If O conveys "to A for life, then to B if B has graduated law school," what interest does B hold before graduation?
Contingent remainder
Vested remainder
Possibility of reverter
Executory interest
B's remainder is contingent because it depends on the condition of graduation. Until graduation, B's interest may or may not vest. Cornell LII explains contingent remainders. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/remainder
Under the open mines doctrine, a tenant's right to emblements survives lease termination if:
Landlord consented after harvest
Crops were planted before lease ended
Tenant dies before harvest
Lease expressly reserved crops
Under the open mines doctrine, emblements (annual crops) planted before lease termination belong to the tenant even if harvested after termination. They are considered personal property. Cornell LII covers emblements exceptions. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/emblements
Which interest is not created in a third party but still requires action by the grantor to take effect?
Contingent remainder
Possibility of reverter
Right of entry
Reversion
A right of entry is retained by the grantor and requires affirmative action to cut short the estate. It differs from a possibility of reverter, which operates automatically. Cornell LII clarifies this. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/right_of_entry
Which standard rule of construction will courts apply to a grant that uses both durational and conditional language?
Favor the durational interpretation
Split the difference
Favor the conditional interpretation
Treat as fee simple absolute
When grant language is mixed, courts favor the durational language creating a fee simple determinable over conditional language. This avoids creating an impermissible right of entry. Cornell LII explains these canon rules. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/ambiguity
What type of estate is created by "to A for life, then to A's heirs" under common law?
A contingent remainder
A fee tail
A life estate in A only
A fee simple absolute
Common-law doctrine of merger treats "to A for life, then to A's heirs" as a fee simple absolute. The remainder to A's heirs merges into A's life estate. Cornell LII discusses the merger doctrine. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/merger
Which defeasible estate cannot be terminated by a court's determination of public policy alone?
Fee simple subject to executory interest
Fee simple absolute
Fee simple determinable
Fee simple subject to condition subsequent
A fee simple absolute has no conditions and cannot be terminated based on public policy. Defeasible fees are subject to being voided if they offend public policy. See Cornell LII discussion on policy. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/public_policy
Which type of remainder is invalid if it violates the Rule Against Perpetuities?
Vested remainder
Executory interest
Reversion
Contingent remainder
Contingent remainders that may vest beyond lives in being plus 21 years violate the Rule Against Perpetuities and are void. Vested remainders are not subject. Cornell LII discusses future interests and RAP. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/rule_against_perpetuities
If land is granted "to A for life, then to A's children who reach 25," and A's only child is 20, does the remainder violate RAP?
Yes, might reach 25 after 21 years
Yes, because it's a contingent remainder
No, because it's a vested interest
No, child is a life in being; will reach 25 within 21 years
The measuring life is the child, currently alive. The condition is attainment of age 25, which must occur within 5 years. It vests within lives in being plus 21, so no RAP violation. Cornell LII explains application. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/rule_against_perpetuities
What result when a defeasible fee's condition is impossible to perform from the grant date?
Grantor retains only a possibility of reverter
Grantee holds fee simple absolute
Estate is void
Court creates a life estate
An impossible condition is disregarded and the conveyance is treated as a fee simple absolute. Courts avoid conditions that cannot be performed. References: Cornell LII on conditions precedent. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/ambiguity
Which of the following creates neither a vested nor contingent remainder?
Fee simple subject to condition subsequent
Fee simple subject to executory interest
Fee simple determinable
Life estate
A fee simple subject to executory interest is followed by an executory interest, not a remainder. Remainders can only follow life estates or terms of years. See Cornell LII for future interests. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/executory_interest
Which concept allows landlords to protect against tenants removing fixtures?
Right of entry
Reversion
Severance clause
Emblements doctrine
A severance clause requires tenants to leave fixtures, preventing conversion of real property to personal property. Emblements concern crops, not fixtures. Cornell LII discusses fixtures in leases. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/fixture
In some jurisdictions, which doctrine allows a condition subsequent to convert into a fee simple determinable?
Doctrine of merger
Doctrine of election
Doctrine of constructive condition
Doctrine of equitable conversion
Certain jurisdictions apply equitable conversion principles to treat conditional language as durational, converting conditions subsequent into determinable fees. This preserves automatic reverter mechanisms. Scholarly articles and Cornell commentary discuss these nuances. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/equitable_conversion
Under modern trend, which form of defeasible fee do courts prefer when language is ambiguous?
Fee simple subject to executory interest
Fee simple absolute
Fee simple subject to condition subsequent
Fee simple determinable
Some modern courts favor right of entry estates (condition subsequent) over automatic reverter (determinable) to avoid unintended forfeitures. This trend is part of evolving property law doctrines. See advanced commentary in legal journals. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/fee_simple_defeasible
Which complex future interest can be both springing and subject to the Rule Against Perpetuities?
Possibility of reverter
Springing executory interest
Contingent remainder
Shifting executory interest
A springing executory interest divests the grantor and is subject to RAP. It may vest beyond 21 years after lives in being if drafted improperly. Cornell LII explains this classification and RAP impact. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/executory_interest
Which remedy might a court use when a defeasible fee conveys an interest that unintentionally violates public policy?
Reformation
Rescission
Specific performance
Adverse possession
Courts may reform a conveyance to align with intent and remove unconstitutional or unconscionable conditions. Reformation corrects the document rather than voiding the entire grant. Detailed analysis is available at Cornell LII. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/reformation
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify True Fee Simple Defeasible Estates -

    Recognize the defining features of fee simple determinable and fee simple subject to condition subsequent to pinpoint which statement regarding fee simple defeasible estates is true.

  2. Analyze Fee Simple Defeasible Statements -

    Evaluate various legal scenarios to determine how conditions and triggers affect the duration and validity of defeasible estates.

  3. Illustrate Emblements in Real Estate -

    Describe emblements real estate examples by distinguishing between tenant-grown crops and permanently attached fixtures under property law.

  4. Differentiate Forms of Property Ownership -

    Compare and contrast joint tenancy, tenancy in common, community property, and other forms of property ownership to understand co-ownership rights.

  5. Distinguish Real Property Interests -

    Categorize freehold estates, leaseholds, easements, and future interests to map out the full spectrum of real property interests.

  6. Interpret Deed Condition Implications -

    Assess how various deed condition implications and covenants can impact title transfer, ownership rights, and potential reversion.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Distinguishing Types of Fee Simple Defeasible Estates -

    Understanding which statement regarding fee simple defeasible estates is true hinges on recognizing conditional language: fee simple determinable automatically ends upon violation ("so long as"), while fee simple subject to condition subsequent requires the grantor's action to reclaim title ("but if"). Remember the mnemonic "D for Determinable (automatic Duration)" to reinforce this. (Source: Nolo's Real Estate Law)

  2. Emblements and Real Estate Examples -

    Emblements real estate examples include annual crops like wheat or corn, which are treated as personal property despite being attached to land, provided there's a landlord-tenant relationship and the tenant planted them. A handy memory aid: "E for Emblements = Expected Earnings of the Earth." (Source: American Bar Association)

  3. Common Forms of Property Ownership -

    Familiarity with forms of property ownership - such as tenancy in common, joint tenancy, and tenancy by the entirety - ensures you grasp rights and survivorship nuances. Use the TTT mnemonic: "TIC, JTWROS, T by E" to recall the three major forms efficiently. (Source: Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute)

  4. Core Real Property Interests -

    Real property interests encompass freehold estates, leaseholds, easements, and covenants, each defining possession and usage rights. Visualize them on a "bundle of sticks" metaphor, where each stick represents an interest you can hold or transfer. (Source: University of California, Davis School of Law)

  5. Deed Condition Implications -

    Deed condition implications affect future ownership: words of duration trigger a possibility of reverter, while words of condition set a right of reentry, requiring action. Remember: "so long as" signals automatic reverter; "but if" signals condition subsequent. (Source: American Institute of Real Estate)

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