ultra condensed land law

Q: What's the starting point for determining shares in a domestic property? co-ownership

A: "Stack v Dowden" → Presumed equal shares (joint tenancy in equity). Rebuttal: Unequal contributions (Oxley v Hiscock) or express declaration.

Q: How can you sever a joint tenancy?

A: 4 ways (Williams v Hensman):

Written notice (Kinch v Bullard)

Act on own share (e.g., sell your interest)

Mutual agreement (Burgess v Rawnsley)

Course of dealing (consistent conduct as tenants in common).

Q: Does a divorce petition sever a JT?

A: No - needs immediate intent (Harris v Goddard).

Q: What are the 4 requirements for a valid easement?

A: (Re Ellenborough Park)

Dominant & servient land

Benefits dominant land (Hill v Tupper)

Separate ownership

Capable of grant (not exclusive: Copeland v Greenhalf).

Q: Can a right to park be an easement?

A: Yes, if servient owner retains control (Moncrieff v Jamieson).

Q: What binds a purchaser even if not on the register?

A: Overriding interests (Sch 3 LRA):

Actual occupation (Boland)

Short leases (≤7 years).

Q: What's overreaching?

A: s.2 LPA 1925: Payment to 2+ trustees converts trust interests to money.

Q: What happens if an equitable interest isn't registered as a land charge?

A: Void against purchaser (Midland Bank v Green).

Q: What gives constructive notice?

A: Failing to inspect property or ask about occupiers (Kingsnorth v Tizard).

Q: Lease or licence?

A: Lease requires:

Exclusive possession (Street v Mountford)

Fixed term

Formalities (deed if ≥3 years).

Q: When can a landlord forfeit a lease?

A: For rent arrears (CRAR) or breach (s.146 notice: Scala House).

Q: What's the lender's duty when selling repossessed property?

A: Get "best price reasonably obtainable" (Cuckmere Brick).

Q: Can courts delay possession?

A: Yes, if borrower can repay (Cheltenham & Gloucester v Norgan).

Q: Fixture or chattel?

A: Test (Holland v Hodgson):

Degree of annexation

Purpose (permanent improvement?).

Fixtures: Looms, bathroom fittings (TSB v Botham).

Chattels: Tapestries (Leigh v Taylor), paintings (Berkley v Poulett).

Q: What makes a land contract valid?

A: (s.2 LP(MP)A 1989):

Writing

All terms included

Signed by both parties.

Q: What invalidates a deed?

A: Missing:

Clear deed intent

Signature/witness

Delivery.