Joint Tenancy Explained

Joint Tenancy Explained

Most people immediately think of the right of survivorship aspect of the Joint Tenancy, which allows the shares of a property to be transferred to the surviving partner. However, there is a bit more to Joint Tenancy.

To start a joint tenancy there specific requirements that have to be met, starting with time, interest, possession, and title. Meaning that the owners must become join tenants of the same deed at the same time and take possession of the asset at the same time. Owning property using a joint tenancy has its advantages that we will outline below.

Profits and Rights to Rent

Joint tenants are generally given a share of the rent and any other profits that the property may receive.

Avoiding Probate

If one of the partners in the Joint Tenancy passes away and that partner has few additional assets at the time of their death, having a joint tenant with the right of survivorship may allow the late individual’s estate to avoid probate. Most states have a small estate statute that allows a survivor to bypass the process when the probate estate is under a specific value.

Right to Surviorship

A Joint tenancy allows the other tenant to inherit the decedent’s share at the time of passing. This typically involves a process that is automated and requires minimal paperwork to transfer.