Which of the following is a common feature of Joint Tenancy?

A common feature of joint tenancy is the right of survivorship. This means that when one owner in a joint tenancy dies, their interest in the property automatically passes to the surviving joint tenants, rather than being inherited by the deceased owner’s heirs. This characteristic is crucial as it provides a seamless transition of ownership without the need for probate, which can be a lengthy and complicated legal process. The right of survivorship is a key reason why individuals often choose joint tenancy as a method of property ownership, especially among family members or close associates who wish to ensure that their property remains within a defined group after one party’s death.

The other features listed do not align with joint tenancy principles. For example, joint tenancy requires equal shares of the property among co-owners, so unequal shares would not apply. Additionally, the concept of rights to survivorship is fundamental to joint tenancy, meaning it logically cannot lack those rights. Finally, while joint tenancy can be contested in legal matters, this is not a defining feature of the arrangement itself and does not highlight its inherent characteristics. Thus, the correct identification of the right to survivorship as a fundamental aspect helps to clarify the nature and function of joint tenancy in real estate ownership.