Definition
Adverse possession allows someone to claim ownership through open, continuous occupation for a statutory period (typically 7-21 years) without the owner's permission. The occupation must be actual, visible, exclusive, and hostile. This rewards productive land use and punishes neglect.
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Adverse possession is a centuries-old property law concept that transfers title through long-term occupation rather than deed transfer. Each state sets specific timeframes (typically 7-21 years) and conditions. The claimant's possession must be obvious enough that a reasonable property owner would notice it, continuous without interruption, and exclusive (not shared with the true owner). Payment of property taxes is often required. This doctrine exists to encourage productive use of abandoned property and to reward those who improve neglected land, though it can result in disputes when forgotten or inherited property is occupied by others.
Pro Tip
If someone has been using part of your property openly for years, consult an attorney immediately. Doing nothing could cost you title.
Example
A person builds a fence encroaching 2 feet onto a neighbor's property and maintains it openly for 10 years without the neighbor objecting. In some jurisdictions, they could file for adverse possession and gain title to that 2-foot strip.