Which of the following describes a legal arrangement allowing someone to live in a property for their lifetime?

A life estate is a legal arrangement that grants an individual the right to live in and use a property for the duration of their life. This type of ownership is unique because it is not absolute; upon the death of the life tenant, the property does not go to the life tenant’s heirs but instead reverts back to the original owner, or to a third party designated in the terms of the life estate. This arrangement provides the life tenant with the benefits of living in the property and using it freely while also ensuring that the property is eventually transferred to another party, making it a distinct form of property interest.

In contrast, an easement is a right to use another person’s land for a specific purpose, such as a pathway or utility access, but it does not provide for residential living. A leasehold refers to a tenant's right to occupy and use a property for a specific duration under a lease agreement, typically involving rent payments, and does not guarantee occupancy for a lifetime as a life estate does. A property trust is a legal entity that holds property for the benefit of designated beneficiaries, which does not pertain specifically to individual rights of occupancy for one’s lifetime.