In a joint tenancy arrangement, what happens to the property when one owner dies?

In a joint tenancy arrangement, when one owner dies, the property automatically transfers to the surviving owner or owners. This principle is known as the right of survivorship, which is a defining characteristic of joint tenancy. This means that the remaining owner automatically inherits the deceased's share without the property having to go through probate, allowing for a seamless transition of ownership.

The other options incorrectly describe the outcomes of a joint tenancy. Selling the property and dividing it among survivors does not occur, as joint tenancy focuses on the automatic transfer of the deceased's interest to surviving owners. Transferring the property to the state would happen under different circumstances, such as in the absence of legal heirs. Dividing the property among all heirs applies to other forms of ownership, such as tenancy in common, but not in a joint tenancy where the right of survivorship applies. Overall, the essence of joint tenancy emphasizes the automatic transition of ownership to the surviving owner(s) upon the death of one participant.