Pennsylvania Property Ownership
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)

Explanation

Joint tenancy requires four unities: time (acquired at the same time), title (by the same instrument), interest (equal shares), and possession (equal right to possess the whole). Without all four unities, a joint tenancy may not be valid.

Explanation

A condominium owner holds a fee simple interest in their individual unit (generally from wall to wall) plus an undivided fractional interest in the common elements (hallways, parking areas, amenities, etc.) shared with other unit owners.

Explanation

Restrictive covenants (deed covenants) are private restrictions on land use inserted into deeds and recorded in public records. They run with the land and bind all subsequent owners. Common examples include restrictions on building height, use type, or architectural style.

Explanation

A prescriptive easement is acquired through continuous, open, notorious, and hostile use of another's land for a statutory period — similar to adverse possession, but the result is only a right to use (easement), not ownership. Pennsylvania's prescriptive period is 21 years.

Explanation

A lien is a financial encumbrance — a claim against property as security for a debt. Liens include mortgages, property tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanics' liens. They can be voluntary (mortgage) or involuntary (tax lien).

Explanation

Tenancy by the entireties in Pennsylvania is reserved for legally married spouses. It provides both the right of survivorship and protection from the individual creditors of either spouse — a significant asset protection benefit.

Explanation

A life tenant may use, possess, and enjoy the property during the measuring life (typically their own life). They cannot sell a fee simple interest or encumber the property beyond the measuring life, as the remaindermen hold future interest.

Explanation

Fee simple absolute is the highest and most complete form of property ownership recognized in law. The owner holds all rights — possession, use, enjoyment, and disposition — without conditions, limitations, or restrictions imposed by the grantor.

Explanation

In a cooperative, owners purchase shares in the corporation that owns the building. Those shares entitle the holder to a proprietary lease for a specific unit. The owner does not hold a deed to real property — they hold personal property (corporate shares).

Explanation

An easement appurtenant benefits a specific parcel (the dominant estate) and burdens an adjacent parcel (the servient estate). It is appurtenant (attached) to the land and passes automatically when the dominant estate is conveyed.