In 1268 the Eltz family split into three clans. The brothers Elias, Wilhelm and Theoderich headed separate households. They divided the castle and its property between themselves. This was the usual form of joint household in the later Middle Ages. The three families built within the castle an inheritance and residential community known as a "Ganerbengemeinschaft" very much like today’s condominium complex. They based their division on usage and need. The three brothers called themselves after their coats of arms - Eltz vom Goldenen Löwen (Lion Or) – the Eltz-Kempenich –,Eltz vom Silbernen Löwen (Lion Argent) – the Eltz-Rübenach – and Eltz von den Büffelhörnern (Buffalo Horns). The last named family had died out by 1500.
"The castle community neither they nor their women, children or their heirs shall damage the property, whether there is war or not, rather above all protect all that live in the castle in peace and help each other, as often as it is necessary..... "
So runs an extract from the "Burgfriedensbrief" (Castle Truce) that defined the peaceful coexistence of the joint heirs. It contained the duties and rights and the exact administrative details of the castle. The oldest copy of this letter was issued in 1323.
The community of joint heirs was developed out of the consideration of keeping the larger properties together over a period of time. The individual could actually use the entire property but it was not his to dispose of freely. In this way the sale of property and goods was prevented. The property of Eltz castle remained in the community.
It is thanks to this principle and the diplomatic skill of the Eltz family that the site has remained complete to this day.