There are three ways to own title to real property between two or more individuals—as tenants in common, joint tenants or tenants by the entirety. How you hold title to real property with another individual is important when it comes to your estate plan and knowing what will happen after death.
Tenants in common: Each owner has a separate interest in the property. If the type of ownership is not expressly stated in the deed, and the parties are not husband and wife, this creates ownership by tenants in common. Upon the death of an owner, his or her share passes pursuant to the deceased’s will, or if there is no will, to the deceased’s heirs via intestacy laws.
Joint tenants: A joint tenancy must be specifically declared in a deed. Upon the death of a joint tenant, his or her interest automatically passes to the surviving joint tenant. This tenancy may also be referred to as “joint tenants with right of survivorship.”
Tenants by the entirety: This type of ownership is unique to married persons. Upon the death of a spouse, the property becomes owned in full by the surviving spouse. The deed should state that ownership is by “tenants by the entirety” or between “husband and wife,” although if it is silent and the parties are legally married at the time, the ownership will be automatic. Alternatively, married persons can own property as joint tenants or tenants in common, provided it is expressly stated in the deed.