Legal Definition of Joint: Tenant An individual who owns real or personal property together with one or more people in equal shares, usually in an arrangement where, upon the death of one joint tenant, the surviving joint tenant(s) automatically owns the deceased personÆs share | Learn the legal definition of joint tenancy and its benefits. Discover how joint tenancy simplifies property transfer after a joint tenant’s death and offers asset protection. Find out why understanding joint tenancy is important for business owners and individuals seeking shared ownership arrangements