A life tenant in West Virginia requires permission from whom to enter into an oil and gas lease?

In West Virginia, a life tenant holds a property interest that allows them to use and benefit from the property during their lifetime. However, this interest is limited by the rights of the remaindermen, who are those entitled to the property after the life tenant's interest ends.

When it comes to significant financial decisions, such as entering into an oil and gas lease, the life tenant cannot unilaterally make such agreements without considering the interests of the remaindermen. This is because the lease can potentially affect the value of the property and the future interests of the remaindermen. The life tenant must therefore seek permission from the remaindermen before proceeding with an oil and gas lease, as their interests are connected to the lifetime of the life tenant and could be impacted by such decisions.

This protection of the remaindermen's interests is rooted in property law principles that ensure a balance between the use of the property and the rights of those who will inherit it.