Squatters Rights: Laws, Timeframes, and Legal Guide
The definitive resource for understanding, navigating, and resolving adverse possession situations across all 50 states. Whether you're a property owner, occupant, or legal professional, find everything you need to know about squatters rights laws.
Explore Squatters Rights Laws by State
Click on a state to view detailed adverse possession laws and requirements
Washington
10 years required
Washington requires 10 years of continuous possession under color of title and payment of property taxes.
California
5 years required
California requires 5 years of continuous possession plus payment of all property taxes.
Texas
10 years required
Texas offers multiple statutory periods: 3, 5, 10, or 25 years depending on circumstances.
New York
10 years required
New York requires 10 years of continuous possession under claim of right to establish ownership.
Florida
7 years required
Florida requires 7 years of continuous possession and payment of property taxes.
Illinois
20 years required
Illinois requires 20 years of continuous, open, and notorious possession.
Georgia
20 years required
Georgia requires 20 years of continuous possession, or 7 years with color of title.
North Carolina
20 years required
North Carolina requires 20 years of continuous, exclusive, and adverse possession.
Ohio
21 years required
Ohio requires 21 years of open, notorious, and adverse possession.
Pennsylvania
21 years required
Pennsylvania requires 21 years of continuous, exclusive, and adverse possession.
Michigan
15 years required
Michigan requires 15 years of open, notorious, and exclusive possession.
Arizona
10 years required
Arizona requires 10 years of continuous possession, or 5 years with color of title and tax payment.
Colorado
18 years required
Colorado requires 18 years of continuous, adverse possession, or 7 years with color of title and tax payment.
Massachusetts
20 years required
Massachusetts requires 20 years of open, notorious, and exclusive possession.
Virginia
15 years required
Virginia requires 15 years of continuous, exclusive, and adverse possession.
Missouri
10 years required
Missouri requires 10 years of continuous, open, and notorious possession.
Squatters Rights Basics: What You Need to Know
Key information you need to know about this complex legal doctrine
Time Requirements
States require continuous possession for 5-30 years, depending on jurisdiction and circumstances.
5 Key Elements
Possession must be actual, open, notorious, exclusive, continuous, and hostile to the true owner's rights.
Legal Process
Most states require filing a quiet title action to legally establish ownership through adverse possession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about squatters rights and adverse possession
What are squatters rights (adverse possession) in the United States?
Squatters rights, also known as adverse possession, allow someone to gain legal ownership of property if they openly occupy it for a certain period and meet specific legal requirements. These requirements usually include actual, open, notorious, exclusive, continuous, and hostile possession of the property.
How long does someone need to occupy property to claim squatters rights?
The time required to claim squatters rights (adverse possession) varies by state, ranging from 5 years in some states to 30 years in others. Most states require between 10 and 20 years of continuous, uninterrupted possession. Some states allow a shorter period if the occupant has "color of title" or pays property taxes.
Can a property owner stop a squatters rights claim after it starts?
Yes. Property owners can stop a squatters rights (adverse possession) claim by taking legal action to remove the occupant, giving written permission for use (which makes it non-hostile), or interrupting the continuous possession. Actions like posting "no trespassing" signs or physically blocking access can also help prevent a claim.
Do I need a lawyer for a squatters rights or adverse possession claim?
While not always required, it's strongly recommended to consult a lawyer for squatters rights or adverse possession cases. These claims involve complex property law and strict requirements. An experienced attorney can help you gather evidence, file the right paperwork, and protect your interests.
Legal Information
Important legal documents and information