CT Bar Real Property & Land Use 3

Question 1

In a Connecticut zoning matter, a use that lawfully existed before a new ordinance made it non-conforming is called a:

Accepted Answer

Nonconforming use

Answer

A nonconforming use is a pre-existing lawful use that is allowed to continue despite a new zoning ordinance that would otherwise prohibit it.

Question 2

A tenant signs a two-year lease and abandons the premises after six months. Under the modern rule followed in most jurisdictions including Connecticut, the landlord's duty is to:

Accepted Answer

Make reasonable efforts to re-let the property and offset recovered rent

Answer

Under the majority/modern rule, a landlord must make reasonable efforts to mitigate damages by attempting to re-let the abandoned premises.

Question 3

Which future interest is retained by a grantor who conveys 'to A so long as the land is used for farming'?

Accepted Answer

Possibility of reverter

Answer

A possibility of reverter is automatically retained by the grantor when a fee simple determinable is created using durational language like 'so long as.'

Question 4

A seller and buyer enter a land sale contract. The buyer pays a deposit, then the seller dies before closing. Under the doctrine of equitable conversion:

Accepted Answer

The buyer is treated as the equitable owner of the land from contract execution

Answer

Under equitable conversion, once a valid land sale contract is signed, the buyer is treated as the equitable owner and bears the risk of loss.

Question 5

A common law joint tenancy requires four unities. Which unity demands that each co-tenant hold the same fractional share?

Accepted Answer

Unity of interest

Answer

Unity of interest requires that each joint tenant hold equal shares of the same type of interest in the property.

(CT Bar) Connecticut Bar Exam Practice Test

(CT Bar) Connecticut Bar Exam Practice Test

CT Bar Real Property & Land Use 3