A remainderman is not entitled to possession while the life interest subsists

A worked RES examination question on life and future interests, from our Paper 1 bank — with the rule it turns on, and why each of the four options is right or wrong.

Paper 1Lesson 3Life and future interestsFree — no sign-up

The question

Rajen asserts that Kamala merely looks after the house for him.

Which statement most appropriately describes his position?

A. He is entitled to require Kamala to account to him for the rent she receives from it.
B. He is entitled to possession now, the house having been intended for him from the start.
C. He is entitled to possession now that Mr Vellasamy has died, the arrangement being his.
D. His interest does not entitle him to possession at any point during Kamala's lifetime.

The answer, and why

Answer: D

The rule. A remainderman is not entitled to possession while the life interest subsists.

Why D is correct. No possession during Kamala's lifetime.

The other options.

B and C give him possession now, C on the footing that Mr Vellasamy's death changed matters — it did not, since the life interest is measured by Kamala's life.
A gives him an account of rent, which would only arise if he were entitled to the income, and he is not.

Exam note. The measuring life is Kamala's, not the grantor's. Mr Vellasamy's death in January 2026 changes nothing.

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