What is one key characteristic of joint tenancy in property ownership?

Joint tenancy is a form of property ownership where two or more individuals hold title to a property together. One of the defining characteristics of joint tenancy is the inclusion of rights of survivorship. This means that if one joint tenant passes away, their share of the property does not go to their heirs but instead automatically transfers to the surviving joint tenants. This aspect of joint tenancy ensures that ownership remains intact among the surviving parties without the need for probate or other legal processes, streamlining the transfer of property upon an owner's death.

In contrast, other forms of property ownership, like tenants in common, do not include rights of survivorship, allowing shares to be passed on to heirs instead. This makes the characteristic of rights of survivorship in joint tenancy a significant and distinctive feature, highlighting how joint tenancy can simplify property inheritance and ownership continuity among survivors.