When two or more people own the same property, they are co-owners. This can happen through inheritance, joint purchase, or family arrangements. Each co-owner has an undivided share in the whole property, even if they use different parts in practice.
Basic rights include:
- Right to use and enjoy the property reasonably,
- Right to a share in rental income or sale proceeds,
- Right to prevent unilateral, major alterations by another co-owner,
- Right to seek partition if joint status becomes unworkable.
One co-owner generally cannot sell or lease the entire property without consent, but they can transfer their own share. That can create complexity if an outsider buys into a family property.
Disputes often arise over who contributed how much, who lives there, who pays maintenance, or who handled improvements. Courts look at documents, conduct, and financial records. If compromise fails, a partition suit may be filed and the property physically or financially split.
To reduce conflict, it’s better to have written family settlements or co-ownership agreements early on, instead of relying on vague memories and verbal promises.
