What is a defining characteristic of joint tenancy?

A defining characteristic of joint tenancy is the right of survivorship. This means that when one tenant in a joint tenancy passes away, their share of the property automatically transfers to the remaining joint tenants, rather than being passed on to heirs or according to a will. This feature distinguishes joint tenancy from other forms of property ownership, such as tenancy in common, where an owner's share can be inherited by their heirs.

The right of survivorship is crucial for ensuring that ownership remains with the surviving tenants, facilitating a seamless transition of property rights without going through probate. Each co-owner maintains equal rights to the entire property, and this principle is fundamental to the joint tenancy arrangement. It effectively strengthens the unity of ownership among the joint tenants and protects their interests in the property as a collective.