What determines the life tenant’s obligation to make repairs?

The life tenant's obligation to make repairs is based on the amount of rents and profits received from the property. This means that if a life tenant is receiving income or benefits from the property—such as rent from tenants—they have a responsibility to maintain and repair the property to a standard that preserves its value and ensures its usability for future interest holders.

Essentially, enjoyment of the property should not come at the expense of its condition or future value. The life tenant's duties are not simply a matter of personal choice but are instead tied to the economic benefits derived from the property. When a life tenant is generating income from the property, it is required that they take reasonable steps to maintain it, thereby fulfilling their responsibility to the remaindermen (those holding future interests in the property).

In contrast, personal discretion of the tenant does not provide a sound legal basis for maintenance obligations, as it lacks the necessary responsibility that comes from benefits received. Similarly, market value and demands of future interests bear relevance but do not serve as the determining factors for the life tenant's obligations in the same way that the income produced by the property does.