What is the defining characteristic of tenants in common?

Tenants in common is a form of co-ownership in which each co-owner holds an individual, undivided ownership interest in the property. This means that each owner can independently control their share of the property without needing the consent of the other co-owners. Each tenant in common can sell, transfer, or bequeath their share of the property as they see fit. This form of ownership allows for flexibility as co-owners may own unequal shares and are not limited by rights of survivorship, which are typical of joint tenancy arrangements.

This independent ownership and the ability to manage one's share separately from the others is what distinguishes tenants in common from other forms of property ownership, such as joint tenancy, where rights of survivorship and equal ownership are key features. The other options imply characteristics more relevant to joint tenancy or general co-ownership concepts rather than the unique aspect of independent ownership that defines tenants in common.