Property OwnershipIntermediateCalifornia Exam

Which form of co-ownership includes the right of survivorship?

ATenancy in common

BJoint tenancyCorrect

CTenancy at will

DTenancy in severalty

Why Joint tenancy Is Correct

Answer B: Joint tenancy

Joint tenancy includes the right of survivorship — when one joint tenant dies, their interest automatically passes to the surviving joint tenants, bypassing probate. The four unities (time, title, interest, possession) must exist.

Exam Tip: Property Ownership

Property ownership questions test the bundle of rights and different forms of ownership. Know the differences between joint tenancy, tenancy in common, and community property, including the right of survivorship.

Key Property Ownership Terms in This Question

Joint Tenancy

Co-ownership where two or more people hold equal, undivided interests with the right of survivorship — when one owner dies, their share passes to the surviving owners.

Tenancy in Common

Co-ownership where two or more people hold undivided interests that need not be equal and pass to each owner's heirs — no right of survivorship.

People Also Study

Key Terms to Know

Joint Tenancy

Co-ownership where two or more people hold equal, undivided interests with the right of survivorship — when one owner dies, their share passes to the surviving owners.

Tenancy in Common

Co-ownership where two or more people hold undivided interests that need not be equal and pass to each owner's heirs — no right of survivorship.

Title Insurance

Insurance protecting against financial loss from defects in a property's title that existed before closing but were unknown at the time of purchase.

Fee Simple

The highest and most complete form of property ownership — absolute ownership with the right to use, sell, or pass the property to heirs.