Direct answer
What does Joint tenancy mean?
Concurrent ownership that includes a right of survivorship when it is properly created.
Exam cue: On one joint tenant's death, the surviving joint tenant or tenants take the deceased tenant's interest by survivorship.
What does it look like in a question?
New York example
Two owners take title as joint tenants with right of survivorship.
Common exam trap
What should you not confuse it with?
Joint tenancy is not the same as tenancy in common or tenancy by the entirety.
Related property rights and title terms
DeedA written instrument used to transfer an interest in real property.EasementA nonpossessory right to use another person's land for a stated purpose.EncroachmentA physical improvement that crosses a property line or intrudes into another protected area.Fee simpleThe broadest private ownership estate, potentially lasting indefinitely and subject to government powers and private restrictions.FixtureAn item that began as personal property but is treated as part of the real property because of attachment, adaptation and intent.LienA claim or charge against property that can secure payment or performance.
Sources used2 references with section locators
The curriculum citation confirms exam scope. Definition and rule citations support the explanation itself. Links and locators were checked on August 26, 2026.
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