California Real Estate Practice Exam

Which are most similar to each other with respect to inheriting property?

1. fee simple absolute and leasehold estate

2. life estate and tenancy in common

3. joint tenancy and community property with right of survivorship

4. tenancy by the entirety and joint tenancy

The correct answer is: joint tenancy and community property with right of survivorship

Joint tenancy and community property with right of survivorship are the most similar with respect to inheriting property because they both have the right of survivorship, meaning that when one owner dies, their share of the property is automatically transferred to the surviving owner(s) without going through probate. This differs from the other options where the property would be inherited through a will or probate process, potentially causing delays, costs, and complexities. Fee simple absolute and leasehold estate have different levels of ownership and rights, while life estate and tenancy in common have different rules for passing on property after death. Tenancy by the entirety and joint tenancy have similarities in ownership and the right of survivorship, but they are typically used in different situations (marriage vs. multiple owners). Therefore, joint tenancy and community property with right of survivorship are the most similar in terms of inheriting property