Which statement best defines severalty ownership?

• A. Ownership by two or more people with equal shares
• B. Ownership by one person sharing title with others
• C. Ownership by one person with sole title
• D. Ownership by all owners as tenants in common

Answer: (C)

Severalty ownership means the title is held by a single owner—one person or one legal entity—with exclusive rights to possession, control, and transfer of the property. There are no co-owners. This form gives the owner full decision-making power over the property and, upon death, the property passes to heirs or through a will rather than to any co-owner. This is different from forms where two or more people hold title together, such as joint tenancy or tenancy in common, where ownership is shared and rights may include survivorship or unequal shares. The term itself emphasizes sole ownership, which is why “one person with sole title” best defines severalty ownership.