What does 'escheat' refer to in property law?

Escheat is a legal concept in property law that refers to the situation where property reverts to the state or government when an individual dies without a will and without any legal heirs. This ensures that unclaimed property does not remain in a state of limbo and allows the government to manage or utilize those assets.

When someone passes away intestate (without a will), their property must be distributed according to the laws of descent and distribution, which typically prioritize relatives. If no relatives can be found or if the deceased has no legal heirs, the property then escheats to the state. This legal process is designed to prevent property from remaining ownerless and to contribute to public revenue.

The other options describe different legal concepts but do not accurately define escheat. The government's right to take private property for public use refers to eminent domain, while the transfer of property to heirs after an owner's death relates to inheritance laws. The right of property owners to refuse service does not pertain to property law or escheat but rather to business and customer relations. Understanding these distinctions highlights why the correct definition focuses specifically on the reversion of property to the state in the absence of heirs.