What is the defining feature of joint tenancy in real estate ownership?

The defining feature of joint tenancy in real estate ownership is that possession is undivided. This means that all joint tenants share equal rights to the entire property rather than owning specific parts of it. Each tenant holds an equal and undivided interest in the property, allowing them equal access and use of the entire assets regardless of their individual contributions.

In joint tenancy, there is also the principle of 'right of survivorship,' meaning that if one tenant passes away, their interest automatically transfers to the surviving joint tenants. This aspect highlights the collective ownership and unity that characterize joint tenancy, reinforcing the concept that no tenant has a separate, divisible share of the property.

Ownership interest not shared among tenants does not apply because, in joint tenancy, all tenants do share collective ownership. The idea of interest beginning at different times is not a characteristic of joint tenancy, as all interests must arise simultaneously to maintain the joint tenancy. Lastly, title granted from multiple sources is misleading because joint tenancy often arises from a single conveyance or will, focusing on simultaneous acquisition rather than a multitude of sources.