What is the default method of holding land for grantees in Ohio?

In Ohio, when property is conveyed to multiple grantees without specific language indicating how they will hold the property, the default form of ownership is tenancy in common. This means that each grantee has an undivided interest in the property and can independently transfer or will their share to heirs. Unlike joint tenancy, tenancy in common does not include the right of survivorship, meaning that when one owner passes away, their share does not automatically go to the other owners but is instead inherited by their heirs.

This form of ownership allows for greater flexibility as each owner can have different percentages of ownership and can decide how to manage and dispose of their shares independently. This characteristic makes tenancy in common a widely utilized method of holding property, especially in situations where co-owners may not have a close relationship or where ownership shares may need to vary.

In contrast, joint tenancy comes with the right of survivorship, meaning ownership automatically passes to the surviving tenant(s), which complicates an owner's ability to transfer their interest. Partnership ownership typically refers to business ventures and not to real estate specifically. A life estate is a form of ownership that lasts for the duration of a person's life, which is not applicable in situations where multiple parties are co-owning property.