California Real Estate SalespersonProperty Ownership and Land Use ControlsEasy
A single woman purchases a condominium using only her own funds and takes title in her name alone, with no co-owners. This form of ownership is known as holding title in:
- ASeveralty
- BCommunity property
- CTenancy in common
- DJoint tenancy
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Severalty
When one person owns property alone, without any co-owners, the ownership is described as 'in severalty,' meaning the title is severed from all others. The other options all involve two or more owners.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Community property requires a marriage or registered domestic partnership between two owners.
- C. Tenancy in common requires two or more co-owners with no survivorship.
- D. Joint tenancy requires two or more owners with right of survivorship.
Ownership in Severalty
Sole ownership of real property by one individual or entity, with no co-owners.
- Title is 'severed' from all other parties
- Owner has complete control without co-owner consent
- Can be an individual or a single legal entity like a corporation
Memory trick: Severalty = 'sever' all other owners — just you.