Who is responsible for the upkeep of property held as tenants in common?

When multiple individuals hold title to a property as tenants in common, they share an equal ownership interest in the property. Unless an alternative arrangement has been made or specified in a separate agreement, all tenants are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the property on equal terms. This joint responsibility encompasses managing property expenses, repairs, and any necessary improvements.

Each tenant in common typically has the right to use and benefit from the property, and in order to do so, they must also partake in the duties associated with its maintenance. Therefore, it’s critical that all tenants recognize their shared obligation, which ensures that all interests in the property are maintained and that no one tenant is left solely responsible for upkeep.

The other options suggest varying degrees of responsibility that do not align with the established principles surrounding tenants in common. The idea that only one income earner is responsible, that the state takes care of maintenance, or that a property management company solely handles upkeep contradicts the fundamental understanding of shared ownership and responsibility inherent in a tenancy in common arrangement.