What type of deed might a life tenant be liable for if they commit waste on the property?

A life tenant may be liable for a warranty deed if they commit waste on the property because a warranty deed provides the grantee with a guarantee of title and protection against any future claims to the property's ownership. In this context, waste refers to actions taken by the life tenant that can damage or diminish the value of the property. If such waste occurs, the life tenant can be held accountable, as they are expected to maintain the property in a manner that does not harm the interests of the remainderman (the person entitled to the property after the life tenant's interest ends).

In contrast, a grant deed typically conveys property but does not contain the same level of guarantees found in warranty deeds. A quitclaim deed essentially transfers whatever interest the grantor has without making any promises about the quality or validity of the title, making it less relevant to situations involving liability for property damage. A leasehold deed does not apply here, as it generally pertains to lease agreements rather than ownership transfers and responsibilities associated with waste.