Co-ownership

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 23:44:49 GMT

What is co-ownership? Who can be a co-owner? How do you apply for co-ownership? I inherited our family cabin and would like to have one of my adult children designated as a co-owner.

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 02:19:44 GMT

The USFS determines who can hold a special use term permit, but does not restrict cabin ownership. A permit can be issued to an 1) individual, 2) married couple, or 3) the trustee of a USFS approved cabin trust. A permit holder must hold an equity (ownership) interest in a cabin, but can share ownership of the cabin with others. The permit holder accepts all responsibility for meeting the terms of a permit and all interactions with the USFS on behalf of the co-owners. Co-owners are not listed on the permit and no approval is necessary from the USFS to change the ownership of a cabin, as long as, the existing permit holder continues their role. A change of permit holder requires a new permit to be issued.

NFH always recommends a formal ownership agreement among the owners, which spells out all responsibilities of the owners. This can be in form of a co-owner (partnership) contractual agreement, or a USFS approved single asset cabin trust.

You can find more information on the Multiple Owners & Trusts page, under the Resources menu on the NFH website. The additional information include several example agreements.

Doug Gann, NFH President