EstatePass
Property OwnershipDeed_typesMEDIUM

Tom and his sister Lisa co-own a property in Monmouth County, New Jersey, as joint tenants with right of survivorship. Tom wants to transfer his interest to his friend Kevin without Lisa's consent. If Tom executes a deed conveying his interest to Kevin, what is the most likely legal result under New Jersey law?

Correct Answer

B) The conveyance severs the joint tenancy, and Kevin and Lisa become tenants in common

Under New Jersey law, a joint tenant may unilaterally convey their interest to a third party without the consent of the other joint tenants. However, doing so severs the joint tenancy as to that interest. The result is that Kevin and Lisa hold the property as tenants in common, not as joint tenants. Kevin does not inherit the right of survivorship that existed between Tom and Lisa, because the unity of time and title required for joint tenancy is destroyed by the conveyance.

Answer Options
A
The conveyance is void because joint tenants cannot transfer their interest without the consent of all co-owners
B
The conveyance severs the joint tenancy, and Kevin and Lisa become tenants in common
C
The conveyance is valid and Kevin steps into Tom's position as a joint tenant with Lisa
D
The conveyance triggers Lisa's right of first refusal under New Jersey co-ownership law

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Property Ownership Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Property Ownership

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Property Ownership

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Property Ownership Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

deed_typesjoint_tenancyseverancetenants_in_commonco_ownership

Related Concepts

Condominium ownership involves owning a unit of airspace within a multi-unit building plus an undivided interest in the common elements shared with other unit owners. Each unit is separately taxed and financed.

In a cooperative (co-op), the building is owned by a corporation, and residents purchase shares of stock in the corporation that entitle them to a proprietary lease on a specific unit. Residents are shareholders, not property owners.

Fee simple absolute is the highest and most complete form of property ownership, giving the owner unrestricted rights to use, possess, enjoy, and dispose of the property. It is of unlimited duration and fully inheritable.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Property Ownership Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing