Which feature is a characteristic of joint tenancy?

• A. Right of possession
• B. Right of encumbrance
• C. Right of survivorship
• D. Right of quiet enjoyment

Answer: (C)

The feature that defines joint tenancy is the right of survivorship. In a joint tenancy, two or more owners hold an undivided interest with four unities: time, title, interest, and possession. When one owner dies, their share doesn’t go to heirs or for probate; instead, it automatically passes to the surviving joint tenants, so the total ownership interest remains with the living owners. This survivorship aspect is what makes joint tenancy distinct from other forms of co-ownership like tenancy in common, where a deceased owner’s share would pass through the will or by intestate succession.

The other ideas—such as a right of possession, a right of encumbrance, or a right of quiet enjoyment—are not unique to joint tenancy. Possession is common to many co-ownership arrangements; encumbrances relate to claims or burdens on the property, and quiet enjoyment concerns the tenant’s right to use the property without disturbance. So the survivorship principle is the defining characteristic here.