Squatters’ rights, also known as adverse possession, is a rule that can change who owns property. This rule has caused some nasty surprises for property owners, and enabling people who are on land they do not own to remain and become the legal owners.
This from msn.com.
Under certain circumstances, a trespasser can occupy and gain legal ownership to land. To qualify as adverse possession sufficient to get ownership, the trespasser’s occupation of the land typically must be:
– hostile (meaning without permission, though the definition can vary),
– actual (meaning physical occupation),
– open and notorious (meaning the possession is obvious to onlookers), and
– exclusive and continuous for a certain period of time.
Below is a look at how this rule may work in twenty-one states and why property owners must be careful.
NOTE: States may have changed their laws since this publication was first compiled. For states not included herein, check-out adverse possession laws.
Arizona
Ten years of caring for land in Arizona could make it yours. Stories of barren lands turned gardens show the need for landowners to keep an eye on their property and maybe even do a better job of taking care of it than the squatters.
Alaska
Ten years in the wilderness of Alaska could mean losing your land to squatters. Tales of adventurers and determined squatters making a claim highlight the challenges of owning land in such a vast and remote state.
Florida
Florida only needs someone to be on your property for seven years, with some paperwork, to claim it. There are stories of people coming back from long trips to find new, legal residents in their homes.
California
In California, someone can claim they own your property if they live there for five years and pay the property taxes. This means if you don’t check on your property, you might find someone else living there, and the law might not be on your side.
Colorado
Colorado needs 18 years for squatter claims, with stories of mountain properties being taken over. It’s a warning to watch your mountain places closely.
Georgia
It takes 20 years in Georgia for someone to potentially claim your retreat as their own. There are stories about hidden getaways becoming someone else’s home, so keep an eye on your property.
Illinois
In Illinois, it takes twenty years for a squatter to claim ownership. Even so, there are plenty of reports of people taking over historic homes through patience. Property owners should check their properties regularly.
Maryland
Twenty years along Maryland’s coast, your property could be claimed by squatters. Stories of fishing cottages slowly changing hands show the need for active land management.
Massachusetts
Twenty years can change who owns historical properties in Massachusetts. It’s a call to protect your historic lands.
Michigan
In Michigan, not checking on your property for 15 years could mean losing it to someone else. It’s a warning to visit and look after your places regularly, especially those near lakes.
Nevada
In Nevada, it takes 15 years for a squatter’s dream to potentially become reality. There are tales of ghost towns being claimed by new people, who, unbeknownst to the landowner, took up residence in these abandoned areas and then claimed the land is theirs.
New Jersey
New Jersey has a 30-year period for squatters’ rights. Even so, property and landowners have found themselves displaced when squatters claim a piece of land or a property is theirs by way of adverse possession.
New York
In New York, someone can claim an abandoned property, such as a loft or warehouse as their own if they live there for ten years without anyone noticing. It’s a reminder for property owners in the city to keep track of their properties.
North Carolina
Twenty years in North Carolina allows squatters to claim ownership. Stories of beach bungalows and mountain retreats finding new owners remind us to watch our valued places.
Ohio
Ohio has a long 21-year period, but for determined squatters, it’s an opportunity to slowly take over a property. There are stories about farms quietly becoming owned by squatters who took up residence on a quiet corner of the land and eventually successfully claimed it as their own.
Oregon
In Oregon, ten years is enough for new people to take over unwatched land. There are even tales of communities forming in forgotten woodlands then successfully claiming rights to the land.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires 21 years for someone to claim property through squatters’ rights. This long time has led to battles over historic properties, reminding owners to watch over their landmarks.
South Carolina
Ten years in South Carolina might see your property claimed by someone else. Tales of long-term guests becoming owners are a warning to be mindful of who stays on your property.
Texas
Texas requires someone to be on your land for ten years before they can claim it. There are stories about people taking over abandoned places, even sheds and storage containers, and making them their own. If you own land in Texas, you should keep an eye on it.
Virginia
Fifteen years in Virginia can see a piece of history change hands. There are stories of old estates and vineyards quietly becoming someone else’s.
Washington
Washington requires just seven years and paying property taxes for someone to claim ownership. The state has seen cases where people become owners by just being there enough.
Final thought: To learn more, check out Squatters Rights.
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