Squatter’s rights legally allows individuals to claim ownership of property they don’t legally own under certain conditions. Typically, this includes continuous and open possession for a certain period of time, while also paying property taxes. Here are 18 states that allow squatters to legally claim ownership of your property.
California
In California, squatters can legally claim ownership of your property after only five years of constant possession. But only if they have paid their property taxes during this time. The purpose of this law is to guarantee that property is being used rather than being neglected. But squatters must openly live on the land or property, making their presence known to everyone, including the owner.
New York
In New York, squatters must have had continuous possession of a property for ten years before claiming ownership. During this period, the squatter must behave as if they are the sole owner of the property. Squatters must also keep their possession obvious, making it known to both the public and the property’s original owner.
Florida
To claim ownership in Florida, squatters must maintain continuous possession of the property for seven years while paying the property taxes. The purpose of this law is to ensure that properties are used and maintained, instead of being abandoned.
Texas
In Texas, squatters can claim property ownership after ten years of possession. But this period can be reduced if the squatter pays property taxes during this time. Payment of property taxes is an important part of the claim since it shows a dedication to the land. Texas’ adverse possession rules are intended to resolve land use disputes and prevent properties from sitting idle.
Illinois
In Illinois, a squatter must have 20 years of continuous possession before claiming ownership, which might be reduced to 10 years if they also pay property taxes. But this law requires the squatters to be open about them living on the property and must be living on the property as if they were the lawful owner.
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, squatters can’t claim legal ownership unless they have 21 years of continuous possession. This lengthy time period ensures that the squatter has established a clear and persistent claim to the property. The purpose of these squatters’ rights is to promote constructive land use and resolve property claims.
Ohio
To claim ownership in Ohio, the squatter must have continuous possession of a property for 21 years. During this period, the squatter must treat the property as their own, including maintaining it and paying property taxes.
Michigan
In Michigan, squatters are permitted to assert ownership of the property after 15 years of continuous possession, provided that they have either paid the property taxes or made substantial improvements to the property. The purpose of this law is to guarantee that land is utilized efficiently, as opposed to being abandoned or unused.
Georgia
In Georgia, squatter laws stipulate that a squatter must possess the property for a minimum of 20 years before claiming ownership. However, this requirement is waived if they pay property taxes. But the squatter must act in a way that is consistent with being the genuine owner, and they must clearly and continuously occupy the property.
North Carolina
After 20 years of continuous possession, squatters in North Carolina can claim ownership, or just seven years if they have paid property taxes. Squatters are required to make their claim known to the legal owner and the public by clearly using and maintaining the property.
Washington
In order to assert ownership of a property in Washington State, squatters must have seven years of consistent possession and pay property taxes. The law requires that properties be maintained and contribute to the city tax base rather than falling into decay. Squatters must openly occupy and use the property,
Oregon
In Oregon, squatters can claim ownership after ten years of possession, as long as they have improved the property. The law also requires that people claiming possession have actively used the property rather than just occupying it without adding value.
Colorado
Squatters must have 18 years of continuous possession to claim legal ownership in Colorado. But this period is lowered to seven years if the squatter holds proof of title and pays property taxes during this period. The law is intended to ensure that people claiming ownership have made investment in the property.
Arizona
Squatters in Arizona can claim ownership after ten years but must have openly and consistently occupied the property during this time.
Nevada
Squatters in Nevada must occupy a property continuously for 15 years, as well as pay property taxes before they can claim ownership. There are even legends of ghost towns restored and claimed by present-day prospectors.
Utah
Utah’s laws require squatters to publicly and continuously hold a property for seven years, as well as pay property taxes, before claiming title. By requiring property taxes, the law ensures that individuals who gain from wrongful possession contribute to the community’s tax revenue.
New Mexico
Squatters in New Mexico have the right to claim title after ten years of use. But squatters must openly and consistently occupy the property, as if they were the genuine owners. New Mexico’s possession laws seek to resolve land ownership issues while encouraging the productive use of land.
Missouri
Missouri’s laws require squatters to publicly and consistently possess property for ten years. This approach to wrongful possession seeks to resolve land ownership disputes while encouraging the efficient use of land resources.
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