When two or more persons purchase property in Ohio, which type of tenancy is recognized as the default?

In Ohio, when two or more individuals purchase property together and do not specify the type of ownership for the property, the default form of ownership is Tenancy in Common. This means that each owner, or "tenant," holds an individual, undivided interest in the property. Each tenant in common has the right to transfer their interest independently and can also pass it on upon their death to their heirs.

Tenancy in common is characterized by the fact that there is no right of survivorship, which means that if one tenant dies, their share does not automatically go to the surviving tenants; instead, it goes to their estate or designated heirs. This form of tenancy is often favored when owners wish to retain individual control over their share or want to ensure that their interest can be inherited.

Other forms of tenancies, such as Joint Tenancy, would require specific language in the deed indicating that the owners intend to have a right of survivorship, which is not automatically granted in Ohio. Options like Partnership Tenancy and Community Ownership are either not recognized in the same legal sense or do not apply to individual property ownership in this context, further solidifying that Tenancy in Common is the standard default when not otherwise specified.