What is the term for Sherman neglecting his property in a life estate, which diminishes its value?

The term "act of waste" specifically refers to the situation where a life tenant, like Sherman in this case, acts in a way that diminishes the value of the property subject to a life estate. Waste can occur through neglect, damage, or misuse of the property, resulting in a decrease in its overall value.

In the context of a life estate, the life tenant has the right to use the property, but they also have a responsibility to maintain it. If they fail to care for the property adequately, it can lead to an act of waste. This concept is particularly relevant as it protects the interests of theremaindermen, who will inherit the property after the life tenant's interest ends.

While the other terms like negligence, mismanagement, and property dereliction may describe behaviors that could lead to the same outcome, they are not the precise legal terms used in property law to denote the specific act of a life tenant diminishing property value. "Act of waste" directly addresses the legal implications of such actions within the framework of property rights.