qualified fee estate
An estate that is subject to certain limitations imposed by the previous owner. Also called a defeasibe fee.

qualified intermediary
Corporation or entity who facilitates a 1031 tax deferred exchange (also known as an "accommodator"). To be a qualified intermediary, the intermediary must not be a related party.

quantity-survey method
The appraisal method of estimating building costs by calculating the cost of all of the physical components in the improvements, adding the cost to assemble them and then including the indirect costs associated with such construction.

quasi contract
A contract implied by law, as a matter of equity, when no actual contract exists.

quiet enjoyment
An implied warranty that the landlord will not interfere with the tenant's reasonable use and enjoyment of a leased property.

quiet title
A court action to remove a cloud on the title.

quitclaim deed
Quitclaim deeds transfer or "quit" any interest in real property. The grantor may not be in title at all, so the grantee cannot assume that the grantor has any real interest to convey. However, if the grantor were, say, married to the owner of the property, signing and recording a quitclaim deed in favor of the spouse would transfer any interest the grantor may have in the property to the spouse. Common Misspellings: quick claim deed, quit claim deed.