How a tenancy in common agreement works
| 10 essential elements of a tenancy in common agreement |
|---|
| 1. Property details and description |
| 2. Percentage shares of each co-owner |
| 3. Financial responsibilities of each co-owner |
| 4. Guidelines for sharing profits or rental income |
| 5. Protocol for property management decision-making |
| 6. Procedures for resolving disputes among co-owners |
| 7. Guidelines for the sale or transfer of shares |
| 8. Backup plans for unforeseen circumstances |
| 9. Potential exit strategies |
| 10. Legal clauses relevant to the TIC jurisdiction |
- The deed must transfer to the group of co-owners: All it takes to form a tenancy in common is for one owner to transfer a deed to a co-owner group.
- The group must agree to a tenancy in common agreement: A TIC agreement outlines how each owner will benefit financially from the property and defines how time will be allocated between each co-owner.
| Expert tip: Individual states regulate real estate differently, so it is always best practice to review state rules and regulations when making real estate decisions. |
How to finance a tenancy in common
Although a tenancy in common is a form of fractional ownership, you still have access to traditional funding opportunities like loans. When it comes to financing a tenancy in common, you have two options:- The TIC takes out a loan: If you opt to finance as a group, each person signs the mortgage. In that instance, if one person defaults, the rest of the co-owners are on the hook for payments.
- Each co-owner takes out a loan: This option may be more familiar to co-owners who are new to TIC agreements since it is the same process as taking out a loan for a traditional mortgage with a single owner.
Tenancy in common property taxes
In general, a tax jurisdiction may require property taxes to be paid as a unit. This may be because shared ownership within a TIC doesn’t physically divide a parcel of land. Although you may have to pay property taxes as a unit, each co-owner may be eligible to deduct their property tax payments.If your TIC receives a single tax bill, your tenancy in common agreement will determine how the property taxes are paid. A common tax strategy within TIC agreements is for each member to pay property taxes equal to the percentage of their ownership. How the funds are collected and how the taxes are paid should also be present in the TIC agreement.Pros and cons of tenancy in common real estate
As an arrangement that enables multiple individuals to share ownership of a single property, TIC brings a set of distinct advantages and challenges that prospective homeowners must consider.Understanding these key factors is essential to making informed decisions and forging successful co-ownership partnerships. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of tenancy in common.| Pros | Cons |
| Simplifies property purchases | Lacks automatic survivorship rights |
| Easily change the number of tenants | All tenants are liable for debt and taxes |
| Allows for varying degrees of ownership | One tenant can force a property sale |
Tenancy in common advantages
Here are the core advantages of opting for a tenancy in common agreement:- Simplifies property purchases: Tenancy in common simplifies property buying by enabling multiple parties to collectively invest in a property.
- Easily change the number of tenants: TIC allows for the easy addition or removal of co-owners without significantly altering the ownership structure.
- Allows for varying degrees of ownership: Tenancy in common permits unequal ownership shares, enabling individuals to invest different amounts based on their financial abilities or ownership preferences.
Tenancy in common disadvantages
Although a TIC agreement can be an easily customizable and flexible ownership arrangement, it also has its drawbacks, such as:- Lacks automatic survivorship rights: In a tenancy in common, there's no automatic transfer of a co-owner's share to others upon their death, creating potential disputes over the deceased co-owner's share.
- All tenants are liable for debt and taxes: Each co-owner shares equal responsibility for property-related debts and taxes, potentially causing financial complications if one co-owner fails to meet their obligations.
- One tenant can force a property sale: A single co-owner in tenancy in common can initiate the sale of the entire property, potentially leading to disputes among co-owners regarding how to sell and distribute shares.
Tenancy in common example
Now that you understand the basics of how tenancy in common operates, let’s see how this ownership model plays out in a real-world example. In this scenario, three families enter into a tenancy in common agreement:| The Jones, Richmond and Stevens families share a mountain cabin. The Jones family holds half of the property value, while the Richmond and Stevens families each hold one-quarter ownership. They visit the cabin throughout the years with equal usage rights, and each family plans to pass down their ownership rights to their kids. From there, the heirs can decide to sell the property and distribute the proceeds in line with their ownership interests or keep their shares. |
Tenancy in common vs. joint tenancy
The major difference between joint tenancy and tenancy in common is how the percentage of ownership is allocated between co-owners.
- Joint tenancy: Tenants hold equal percentage ownership, get their deeds at the same time and relinquish their rights to co-owners upon their death (survivorship rights).
- Tenancy in common: Tenants may have unequal interests in their property. They can come into ownership at varying times in the life of the property and do not have survivorship rights. Instead, their shares are willed to a living heir.
Dissolving a tenancy in common agreement
Dissolving a tenancy in common is relatively straightforward and easy to accomplish, assuming all co-owners wish to end the agreement. To dissolve a tenancy in common agreement, each member must sell their shares of the property. This can only happen if all the owners agree to sell their ownership rights and split proceeds according to ownership interest percentages. Additionally, seeking legal advice, drafting a formal dissolution agreement and adhering to the legal procedures required in your jurisdiction are crucial steps in the dissolution process.| Expert tip: If there’s a dispute over whether to sell, one owner can file a partition action so that the investment can be liquidated to the other co-owners. |
Tenancy in common FAQ
What are the responsibilities of tenants in common?
Tenants in common are responsible for sharing property expenses, seeking mutual agreement for property changes and ensuring fair property access between tenants.
Do you have to be related to form a tenancy in common?
No, owners do not have to be related to form a tenancy in common. However, relatives can also take advantage of a TIC if they choose to do so.
How does marriage affect tenancy in common?
Marriage can potentially convert a tenancy in common to a tenancy by the entirety or joint tenancy with the right of survivorship, depending on the jurisdiction of the TIC agreement.
What is tenancy by the entirety?
Tenancy by the entirety is a form of property ownership where both parties jointly own the entire property as one entity with rights of survivorship.
How do you transfer your shares in a tenancy in common?
Shares can be bought out by fellow tenants, sold to a new owner or willed to an heir.
What happens if a tenant wants to sell?
Owners can sell or will their shares independently. When a property can’t be divided equally, it leads to a forced sale through a court order called a partition action. Co-tenants can always opt to buy out any owner who wants to sell.
Can tenancy in common be dissolved?
Yes, selling a property dissolves the tenancy in common. However, all owners must agree to this action.
What happens when a tenant dies?
In the event that a tenant dies, their shares would pass to a living heir instead of the remaining co-owners.
