What is one of the key principles that determine how property is shared among joint tenants?

The key principle that determines how property is shared among joint tenants is the concept of shared legal rights and obligations. In a joint tenancy, all tenants have an equal right to occupy and use the property, as well as shared responsibilities regarding its maintenance and management. This unity of possession is fundamental to joint tenancy, meaning that each co-owner has an undivided interest in the entire property rather than a portion of it. This principle ensures that decisions about the property, such as its use and any potential sale, require cooperation and consensus among all joint tenants, reinforcing the collective interest and shared ownership structure inherent to joint tenancies.

This distinct nature of shared legal rights contrasts with other types of ownership arrangements, which may allow for unequal interests or exclusive rights to specific tenants, resulting in different management and legal implications.