Which statement characterizes waste in a co-tenancy?

• A. Voluntary waste
• B. Permissive waste
• C. Ameliorative waste
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

In a co-tenancy, waste means a co-tenant must not act in a way that harms the value of the property held by all owners. Waste can take several forms: voluntary waste, permissive waste, and ameliorative waste.

Voluntary waste happens through affirmative acts that reduce value, like tearing down a structure or cutting down valuable timber.

Permissive waste is neglect—failing to maintain the property, pay taxes or insurance, or repair damage, leading to deterioration.

Ameliorative waste involves changes that improve or modernize the property, which can still affect the interests of other co-tenants; such alterations may be considered waste unless consent or other protections apply.

Because waste can manifest in any of these ways, the statement that all three describe waste in a co-tenancy is correct.