California Real Estate SalespersonProperty Ownership and Land Use ControlsMedium
A developer conveys a parcel 'to the City of Riverdale, so long as the land is used as a public park.' If the city stops using the land as a park, what happens to title?
- AThe grantor must file a quiet title action within one year to reclaim the land
- BThe land becomes public trust property held by the state
- CThe city retains title permanently regardless of use
- DTitle automatically reverts to the grantor or grantor's heirs
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Title automatically reverts to the grantor or grantor's heirs
This language creates a fee simple determinable, which automatically terminates and reverts to the grantor (or heirs) upon the condition being violated, without need for court action.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. No lawsuit or filing deadline is required; reversion is automatic.
- B. This scenario does not involve the public trust doctrine.
- C. The 'so long as' language limits the duration of the estate.
Fee Simple Determinable
A fee estate that automatically ends and reverts to the grantor when a stated condition is violated, typically created with words like 'so long as' or 'while.'
- Automatic reversion upon breach
- Created with durational language ('so long as')
- Grantor holds a possibility of reverter
Memory trick: 'So long as' means the clock runs out automatically.