Legal Definitions - inhabit

To "inhabit" means to live in a particular place. This implies occupying it either permanently or on a regular, habitual basis, using it as one's residence.

To inhabit a place means to live there, making it one's home or primary dwelling, either continuously over a long period or on a regular, customary basis.

• Example 1: Permanent Residence

  After purchasing a house, a family moves all their belongings into it and begins living there full-time. They register their children for local schools and receive mail at this address.

  Explanation: The family inhabits the house because they are dwelling in it permanently, establishing it as their primary and ongoing residence.

• Example 2: Habitual Residence (Rental)

  A university student signs a lease for an apartment near campus and lives there throughout the academic year, returning to their parents' home only during summer breaks.

  Explanation: The student inhabits the apartment. Although they do not own it and it might not be their lifelong home, they occupy it habitually as their residence for a significant and regular period.

• Example 3: Habitual Residence (Seasonal)

  An elderly couple owns two homes: one in a northern state where they live from May to October, and another in a southern state where they reside from November to April each year.

  Explanation: The couple inhabits both homes. They habitually occupy each residence for distinct, regular periods, making both places their customary dwellings at different times of the year.