1. The four unities required to create a joint tenancy are:
Answer & explanation
Answer: A. PITT: joint tenants must take equal interests, at the same time, by the same deed, with equal rights of possession.
property
joint tenancy
A form of co-ownership in which two or more people own property together with the right of survivorship, so a deceased owner's interest passes automatically to the surviving joint tenants rather than through the estate. Traditionally it requires the four unities of possession, interest, time, and title. A joint tenant who sells their share severs the joint tenancy as to that share.
- Exam tip
- Remember the four unities (PITT) and that joint tenancy property cannot be left by will. Tenancy in common lacks survivorship.
- Example
- Three siblings hold a cabin as joint tenants; when one dies, the other two each own one-half, and the deceased sibling's heirs receive nothing in the cabin.
Related terms & state variants
Sources
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Last verified: 2026-10-23