These simple title holding trusts were originally started in Illinois, so they are often called Illinois Land Trusts. The purpose of a land trust is to allow one to have the legal title to his property held by another person, or trusteewhile retaining all of the rights and privileges of property ownership (the beneficial interest). The trustee acts only upon the beneficiaries direction. The property owner still retains all rights, such as the right to possession, to collect rent, mortgage the property, homestead exemption, and any other benefit he now has.
