Full question:
If you live with a person but are not married, and that person is listed on the deed as a joint tenant with rights of survivorship, would that person be legally considered to be a co-owner of the property? Would that person be required to the necessary documents to sell the property such as the deed and the seller's disclosure statement?
- Category: Real Property
- Subcategory: Deeds
- Date:
- State: Pennsylvania
Answer:
Yes, a person listed as a joint tenant with rights of survivorship is legally considered a co-owner of the property. Joint tenancy allows two or more individuals to own property together, and upon the death of one joint tenant, the surviving tenant automatically inherits the entire property. This is known as the right of survivorship.
State law governs how joint tenancy is established, and it typically requires that the deed explicitly states the intention to create a joint tenancy. Each joint tenant has an equal, undivided interest in the property and can use and occupy it fully.
To sell the property, all joint tenants must sign the necessary documents, including the deed and the seller's disclosure statement. This ensures that all co-owners agree to the sale.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.