Definition of "Joint tenancy"

A type of property coownership of two or more individuals to whom real property is deeded and who together have an undivided interest in it as a whole. There is only one title to the whole property. Upon the death of a joint tenant, that person's interest does not descend to his or her heirs or pass by will. Rather, the entire ownership remains in the surviving joint tenant(s). In other word, there is simply one less owner. A joint tenant can be in exclusive possession of the property or he or she can lease his or her interest to a third party without affecting the nature of the joint tenancy. Such lease will terminate upon the death of the lessor joint tenant, with the surviving joint tenants taking the interest thereon. generally, if a joint tenant dies, the survivors(s) obtain the property, also called joint tenancy with right of survivorship. For example, John and Victor are the joint tenants of a building. Each own one half of the whole building. Upon John's death, Victor will own the whole property, and vice versa.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

The basic home inspection definition is well-known for everyone, right?However, when it comes to real estate, the term “inspection” can serve a bunch of purposes – but the ...

Legal suit in which the plaintiff sues the defendant for some reason. A counterclaim of litigation is to exercise one's legal rights. There are many causes for litigation including damages ...

The definition of alienation clause is the transfer or sale of a particular property or asset that can be applied once the owner has no more financial obligations to said property or asset. ...

Property highly leveraged. An example is when a landlord buys an apartment house paying minimum cash payment down and the balance on mortgage. ...

Similar property. Comparing like property. properties that are side by side but do not meet. They are in the same direction with a constant distance. ...

Outside layer or covering for a structure. It may be a coating of material for protection against inclement weather. ...

the loan rate stated on the face of the loan note. The nominal loan rate is not the same as the effective interest rate. For example, if points are charged to secure a loan, the effective ...

A binding judicial determination of the rights and standing of litigants. A declaratory judgment does not result in any relief for the action brought before the court. It merely ...

Agreement to exchange real estate upon specific terms. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions