What does joint tenancy ensure regarding property interests after the death of an owner?

Joint tenancy is a form of co-ownership where two or more individuals hold equal shares in a property with a specific legal feature known as the right of survivorship. This means that upon the death of one owner, their ownership interest does not pass to their heirs. Instead, the remaining owners automatically acquire the deceased owner's share equally. This aspect of joint tenancy is vital because it ensures that the property remains with the surviving owners, simplifying the transition of ownership without the need for probate.

This distinguishes joint tenancy from other forms of ownership, such as tenancy in common, where the deceased owner's interest would indeed go to their heirs, which can complicate ownership and use of the property. Thus, given this mechanism of passing ownership directly to the remaining owners, joint tenancy provides clarity and stability regarding property ownership after an owner's death, making it a popular choice for multiple owners looking to maintain control within a defined group.