What must a life tenant do regarding mortgage obligations?

A life tenant is responsible for maintaining the property and ensuring that any mortgage obligations are met during their lifetime, but their obligation specifically pertains to interest payments rather than principal payments. This distinction is based on the nature of the life tenancy, which grants the tenant the right to use and benefit from the property for the duration of their life, while the ultimate ownership—known as the reversionary interest—remains with another party who will gain possession after the life tenant's interest ends.

By focusing solely on interest payments, the life tenant can fulfill their obligation to keep the property financially viable without the burden of paying off the principal amount, which usually falls to the remainderman or the person who will inherit the property after the life tenant's death. This arrangement helps protect both the life tenant's right to use the property during their lifetime and the future interests of the remainderman.