Property Law

Mike, a captain in the Marine Corps, signs a one-year lease with the Rolling Brook Village Apartments in Lake Ridge, VA, while attending a 10-month school in Quantico. Mike gets orders for Camp Pendleton, California, and must report by the end of June. His lease, however, does not expire until the end of July. Mike tries to terminate his lease early due to having orders that require him to move. The apartment complex refuses, saying he is liable for that final month's rent by contract. Can Mike terminate the lease early due to his orders?

• Yes. Active-duty military who receive orders requiring them to relocate prior to the end of the lease term may terminate the lease early with no penalty.

• No. Mike must pay that final month lease because the lease was for the full year.

Rickie has been renting a property for 3 years and is finally terminating his lease because he bought a home. On the joint walk-through inspection with the landlord, the landlord notices that the carpet near the front door shows some discoloration and wear that has obviously occurred over the past 3 years as Rickie entered and exited the property. The landlord notes it on the walk-through inspection checklist, then reduces the amount of the security deposit returned to Rickie for the cost of deep cleaning the carpet. Can the landlord reduce the amount of Rickie's security deposit that gets returned by the cost of the carpet cleaning?

• Yes. The cost to repair any damage to any part of the property that occurred during the time Rickie lived there can be deducted from his security deposit prior to being returned.

• No. Rickie cannot be charged for routine wear-and-tear to the property.

In property law, what is the term for the right to use someone else's land for a specific purpose?

• Easement

• Lien

• Covenant

• Lease

Which of the following is a type of co-ownership where each owner has an undivided interest in the property and the right of survivorship?

• Tenancy in Common

• Joint Tenancy

• Tenancy by the Entirety

• Community Property

What is the legal process called when the government takes private property for public use, with compensation to the owner?

• Adverse Possession

• Eminent Domain

• Escheat

• Foreclosure

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a valid deed?

• Consideration

• Legal Description

• Signature of Grantor

• Delivery

What is the term for a legal claim or hold on a property, as security for a debt or charge?

• Easement

• Lien

• Covenant

• Lease

In property law, what is the term for the gradual addition of land by natural forces, such as water or wind?

• Accretion

• Avulsion

• Erosion

• Reliction

Which type of tenancy allows a tenant to occupy a property without a formal lease and can be terminated at any time by either party?

• Tenancy at Will

• Periodic Tenancy

• Tenancy for Years

• Tenancy at Sufferance

What is the term for the legal principle that allows a person to gain ownership of land by openly occupying it for a certain period of time?

• Eminent Domain

• Adverse Possession

• Escheat

• Reversion