When is a life estate typically terminated?

A life estate is a type of property interest that lasts for the duration of an individual's life, known as the life tenant. The key characteristic of a life estate is that it is inherently tied to the life of the tenant. Therefore, it ends automatically upon the death of the life tenant. This termination can lead to the property either reverting back to the original owner or being transferred to a predetermined remainderman, as stipulated in the estate documents.

The other options do not accurately reflect the specifics of a life estate. A specified date does not apply because the life estate is not measured by time but rather by the life of the tenant. The sale of the property does not terminate the life estate, as the life tenant can sell their interest; however, the life estate continues for the duration of the tenant's life. Lastly, the concept of inheritance applies differently, as the property does not pass to heirs of the life tenant until the life estate terminates, which is upon the tenant’s death. Thus, the correct answer highlights the definitive event that leads to the conclusion of the life estate.