In a joint tenancy, what happens to the deceased owner's interest?

• A. It passes to heirs under a will.
• B. It passes to the surviving joint tenants by right of survivorship.
• C. It becomes part of the deceased's estate for probate.
• D. It is transferred to the state.

Answer: (B)

In a joint tenancy, the key feature is the right of survivorship. When an owner dies, their interest doesn’t go to heirs or go through the deceased’s will or probate. Instead, the deceased’s share automatically passes to the surviving joint tenants, so they collectively own the property under joint tenancy with the other unities (time, title, interest, possession) preserved. This means the property remains with the living owners, and the deceased’s interest is absorbed by the survivors.