What type of property ownership involves equal ownership and automatic transfer to the surviving tenant upon death?

The correct answer is Joint Tenancy. This form of property ownership is characterized by the principle of equal ownership among all tenants and includes the right of survivorship. This means that if one tenant dies, their share automatically transfers to the surviving tenant(s) rather than being passed on to heirs or through probate. This attribute makes Joint Tenancy a favored choice for individuals who wish to ensure that their co-owners inherit their share directly without the complications of legal proceedings after death.

In contrast, other forms of ownership have different rules regarding transfer and inheritance upon a co-owner’s death. For example, Tenancy by the Entirety is a type of ownership specifically available to married couples, offering additional protections against creditors but operates under similar survivorship rules. A Life Estate allows a person to use the property during their lifetime, but the rights do not transfer until their death. Community Property is a legal framework for married couples regarding property acquired during their marriage but does not include automatic survivorship rights. Therefore, the defining feature of Joint Tenancy is its equal ownership and automatic transfer upon death, making it the most appropriate choice for this scenario.