Direct answer
What does Tenancy by the entirety mean?
A form of ownership available to married spouses that includes survivorship and protections tied to the marital unit.
Exam cue: Look for spouses taking title together and distinguish this estate from ordinary joint tenancy.
What does it look like in a question?
New York example
Married buyers receive a deed conveying the home to them as tenants by the entirety.
Common exam trap
What should you not confuse it with?
It is not available merely because two owners are related or live together.
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.Joint tenancyConcurrent ownership that includes a right of survivorship when it is properly created.
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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