Direct answer
What does Tenancy in common mean?
Concurrent ownership in which each co-owner holds an undivided interest without an automatic right of survivorship.
Exam cue: Shares may be unequal, and an owner's interest generally passes through that owner's estate.
What does it look like in a question?
New York example
Two investors own 70 percent and 30 percent interests in the same building.
Common exam trap
What should you not confuse it with?
Do not assume every co-ownership includes survivorship.
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.
Keep learning
Put the term back into its full subject.
A definition helps with recall. The subject guide shows how the rule interacts with documents, scenarios, calculations and practice questions.