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Tenants in common are two or more people who each hold a separate, individual interest in a single property with equal rights to possession but no right of survivorship. Each owner may sell, encumber, or devise their interest, and on death it passes to their heirs.

Co-owners may hold title as tenants in common, each with a separate share and no right of survivorship, so a deceased owner's share passes to their heirs or by will rather than to the other owners.

• Joint Tenants
• Community Property
• Tenant

Reviewed by Kootenai Title & Bonner Title Editorial Team · Last updated June 19, 2026
This definition is educational and not legal advice. See our Editorial Policy.