I am unclear from the question as to what is meant by "pay against the property". However, as some general guidelines, a life tenant is generally responsible for pay the real estate taxes against the property and to maintain the property (mowing, cleaning, etc.). As to major repairs which may have a useful life longer than the life tenant (new roof, etc.) there should be a split between the life tenant and the owners of the remainder interest. However, the apportionment of this amount is generally a matter of dispute. Sometimes it is helpful to use Tennessee's mortality tables to compare the statistical interest of the life tenant (how old they are versus how long they are predicted to live) to the remainder owners in order to determine the split.
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Answered on Feb 15th, 2012 at 2:49 PM