tenancy in common

American  

noun

Law.

1. a holding of property, usually real, by two or more persons with each owning an undivided share and with no right of survivorship.

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Etymology

Origin of tenancy in common

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

“However, community property can be changed to a tenancy in common via divorce proceedings to allow each co-owner the ability to transfer their shares to heirs.”

From MarketWatch • Dec. 6, 2025

“This creates a new tenancy in common arrangement in which the children would be given equal shares to one another, but would still be tenants in common with Owner B.”

From MarketWatch • Dec. 6, 2025

There are a few common ways to handle the title like sole ownership, joint tenancy, and tenancy in common.

From Slate • Dec. 8, 2022

An estate attorney can also help co-buyers understand options for titling the home, such as joint tenancy or tenancy in common.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2022

The term “coparcenary” is not in use in the United States, joint heirship being considered as tenancy in common.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 3 "Convention" to "Copyright" by Various