What does "joint tenancy" imply in property contracts?

Joint tenancy is a specific form of property ownership that fundamentally involves joint tenants holding equal ownership stakes in the property and having the right of survivorship. This means that if one joint tenant passes away, their share of the property automatically transfers to the surviving joint tenants, rather than passing on to heirs or through probate.

The notion of equal ownership is a core characteristic of joint tenancy, as each joint tenant has an identical interest in the property. The right of survivorship ensures that the property remains within the surviving owners without the complications of a will or probate process, which is a significant advantage for those holding property together.

Other options mention aspects that do not align with the definition and characteristics of joint tenancy. For example, sharing ownership without rights of survivorship conflicts with the fundamental principle of joint tenancy. Similarly, suggesting that joint tenancy allows for unequal ownership shares contradicts the requirement of equal ownership, and the idea that property cannot be sold without mutual consent is more aligned with the characteristics of tenancy in common rather than joint tenancy. Thus, the definition of joint tenancy distinctly emphasizes equal ownership and the right of survivorship, making the first choice the accurate response.