medeeigendom

Medeeigendom is a form of property ownership in which two or more persons own a single asset together. Each co-owner holds an undivided share of the property, and the asset as a whole belongs to all of them jointly. No owner has exclusive rights to a specific part of the property unless the co-owners agree to partition or to assign separate rights.

Medeeigendom typically arises when a property is acquired by multiple people, through inheritance, donation, or agreement. The shares may be equal or set at different percentages, and the exact rights and obligations are usually defined by law and any co-ownership agreement.

Rights and obligations of co-owners include the use and enjoyment of the entire property, and the right to profit from it in proportion to their shares. Co-owners are responsible for costs such as maintenance, taxes, and mortgages in proportion to their shares, unless otherwise agreed. Major decisions—such as sale, mortgaging the property, or altering its use—often require consent from all or a specified majority of co-owners, as laid out in an agreement or applicable law.

Management is typically handled collectively or through an appointed administrator. Many co-owners draft a formal co-ownership agreement to set rules on decision-making, maintenance, contributions, and dispute resolution. If disagreements cannot be resolved, a partition action may be filed to divide the property physically or to force a sale, with proceeds distributed according to each owner’s share.

Medeeigendom can be ended by partition, sale, or dissolution following death or transfer of a co-owner’s shares. The exact rules vary by jurisdiction, so legal advice and a clear agreement are often advisable.