What is a characteristic of tenancy in common?

In tenancy in common, each co-owner has a distinct and independent interest in the property, which means they own a specific share without the need for equal ownership among all co-tenants. This characteristic allows different owners to have different percentages of ownership, and they can sell, transfer, or will their shares to others without needing the consent of the other co-owners. This flexibility is a key aspect of tenancy in common, differentiating it from other forms of co-ownership, such as joint tenancy, which requires equal shares and includes rights of survivorship.

Understanding this independent nature is essential for recognizing the rights and responsibilities of co-owners in a tenancy in common arrangement. Each owner can make decisions regarding their share independent of the others, further reinforcing the distinct ownership interest characteristic of this type of tenancy.