Adverse Possession

Definition

  • Also known as "squatter's rights." This refers to a person or persons getting title to a piece of property or land by simply using it without any objection from the legal title holder. Where the law permits, anyone one who uses land for 10 years or more openly as if they owned it, will be granted ownership of it.

Synonyms
ownership, squatter's rights, usurpation, use it or lose it, rights

Related Terms and Acronyms

  • Adverse Use Definition,
    • Use of someone's property without permission.
  • Aviation Easement Definition,
    • An agreement that grants the right to fly airplanes over property, even if the practice causes damage, inconvenience, or loss of property value. Such an agreement usually restricts the property owner from building or growing anything over a specified height.
  • Common Law (CL) Acronym, Very Important,
    • Traditional, unwritten law based on English custom.
    Laws developed by judges through court decisions and precedent.
  • Common Law Marriage (CLM) Acronym,
    • To be recognized as being married without foregoing a matrimonial ceremony.
  • Condemnation Definition,
    • The act of condemning (as land forfeited for public use) or judging by a government to be unfit for use.
  • Easement Definition,
    • A means by which access or right of way is granted by law if an owner of a property is negligent in restricting access or enforcing trespassing laws for ten years or more.
    • Giving persons other than the owner access to or over a property.
  • Possession Definition,
    • Something that is owned.
    • The condition of having signed all the papers at closing and having received keys to the house.
  • Title Definition,
    • Evidence of a person's right to possession ownership of a property.
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