The feature that most distinguishes a joint tenancy from a tenancy in common is

Both joint tenancy and tenancy in common involve undivided interests in the property, meaning that each owner holds a share of the entire property rather than a specific portion. This characteristic does not distinguish the two ownership types, as both allow for collective ownership without physical division of the property.

Unity of possession refers to the principle that all owners have equal rights to possess and use the entire property. This feature is common to both joint tenancy and tenancy in common, as both ownership structures provide each owner with the same rights to access and use the property, making it an insufficient distinguishing factor.

The right of survivorship is exclusive to joint tenancy. It dictates that upon the death of one joint tenant, their interest in the property automatically passes to the surviving joint tenants, rather than to the deceased’s heirs. This critical distinction highlights how joint tenancy differs fundamentally from tenancy in common, where no such right exists.