tenancy in common

noun

, Law.

1. a holding of property, usually real, by two or more persons with each owning an undivided share and with no right of survivorship.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenancy in common¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

There are a few common ways to handle the title like sole ownership, joint tenancy, and tenancy in common.

From Slate

Tenancy in common allows you both to have rights to the property but can be divided into different shares.

From Slate

An estate attorney can also help co-buyers understand options for titling the home, such as joint tenancy or tenancy in common.

From Seattle Times

A tenancy in common allows you to own the home in unequal shares to reflect the difference in your down payments.

From Slate

Meanwhile, in an agreement like tenancy in common, if one of you should pass away, your share is left to your heirs and may need to go through probate.

From Slate