What is adverse possession?

Adverse possession, also known as “squatter’s rights,” is a legal principle in California Property Law that allows a person who has been occupying a piece of real estate without the owner’s permission to gain legal title to the property. In order to take advantage of this right, the person must prove that they have been there continuously and openly for a specific period of time (five years in California) and that they have used the property in a manner that is consistent with that of an owner. The person must also pay any outstanding taxes on the property. Establishing adverse possession gives the claimant the same rights that a true property owner would have, including the right to prevent others from entering or using the property and the right to make improvements and develop the property. Adverse possession is often used when a person is occupying land that has been neglected by the owner or when disputes arise over property boundaries.

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What is adverse possession?

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