Massachusetts Real Estate License Practice Test

Non-freehold estates are characterized by what type of duration?

1. Indefinite duration

2. Unlimited term

3. Limited duration

4. Permanent ownership

The correct answer is: Limited duration

Non-freehold estates are indeed characterized by limited duration, which means that they exist for a specific period of time rather than indefinitely or permanently. This type of estate typically involves agreements such as leases or rental agreements, where tenants have exclusive possession of a property for a defined term, which could range from days to years, after which the right to occupy the property ends. In contrast, an indefinite duration indicates a situation where an estate does not have a predetermined end date, which is not the case with non-freehold estates. An unlimited term suggests an ongoing tenure that can extend without a conclusion, which again does not apply to the temporary nature of non-freehold estates. Permanent ownership, on the other hand, relates to freehold estates where ownership is not bound by a time limit and can be inherited or passed along indefinitely. Thus, the defining characteristic of non-freehold estates is indeed their limited duration, making the answer accurate and relevant.