What type of ownership allows a co-owner to transfer their interest without the need for consent from the other co-owners?

The correct answer is based on the characteristics of different forms of property ownership. In a tenancy in common, co-owners hold an undivided interest in the property, and each co-owner has the right to transfer their interest at any time without seeking the consent of the other co-owners. This means that a co-owner can sell, give away, or bequeath their share of the property independently, ensuring flexibility in ownership and control.

In contrast, joint tenancy requires that all co-owners agree to any transfer of interest, as it includes the right of survivorship, where the interest of one owner automatically passes to the others upon their death. Tenancy by the entirety is a special form of joint ownership available only to married couples that also prohibits individual transfers without the consent of both parties. Lastly, tenancy in severalty refers to sole ownership, meaning that there are no co-owners involved, and thus the question regarding transferability does not apply in this case.

The defining characteristic of tenancy in common facilitates individual autonomy among co-owners, making interactions simpler when it comes to ownership rights and transfers.