It might sound unbelievable, but in 21 states, squatters can actually end up legally owning property if they meet certain conditions. Thanks to something called adverse possession laws, if someone lives on a property openly and continuously without the owner’s permission for a specific number of years, they could potentially claim it as their own. While this might seem like “legal stealing,” it’s a process with strict rules that property owners should definitely be aware of. Whether you’re a property owner or someone who’s found themselves occupying an abandoned space, it’s important to understand how these laws work and what they mean for you. Featured Image Credit: Milkos /Depositphotos.com.
#1 California
In California, if someone lives on a property for five years continuously, without the owner’s permission, pays the property taxes, and uses the property as if it were their own (like building a fence or planting a garden), they might be able to claim ownership through adverse possession.
#2 Texas
Texas has different requirements depending on the situation: 3 years with a title, 5 years if they pay taxes and have a deed, 10 years without these, or 25 years regardless. The person must live there continuously and without the owner’s consent.
#3 New York
In New York, someone must live on the property for at least ten years without the owner’s permission, use it openly (like building or maintaining the property), and treat it as their own to potentially claim ownership.
#4 Florida
Florida requires a person to live on the property for seven years continuously, pay property taxes during this time, and use the property openly as their own (such as making improvements or maintaining it).
#5 Illinois
In Illinois, the period is seven years if the person has a title and pays property taxes, or 20 years without these. The person must live on the property continuously, openly, and without the owner’s permission.
#6 Ohio
Ohio requires 21 years of continuous, open, and notorious possession, meaning the person lives on the property without hiding and treats it as their own without the owner’s permission.
#7 Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, someone must live on the property continuously for 21 years, openly using it as their own, without the owner’s consent, to potentially claim ownership.
#8 Georgia
Georgia requires seven years of continuous possession if the person has a title, and 20 years without a title. The person must live on the property openly and treat it as their own without the owner’s permission.
#9 Colorado
Colorado mandates 18 years of continuous occupation, or seven years if the person has a title and pays property taxes. The person must use the property openly and without permission from the owner.
#10 Washington
In Washington, a person must live on the property for ten years continuously, using it openly and treating it as their own without the owner’s consent.
#11 Oregon
Oregon requires ten years of continuous, open, and notorious possession, meaning the person must live on the property and use it as their own without the owner’s permission.
#12 Nevada
Nevada requires five years of continuous occupation, during which the person must pay property taxes and use the property openly as their own without the owner’s permission.
#13 Arizona
In Arizona, a person must live on the property for ten years continuously, using it openly and treating it as their own without the owner’s consent.
#14 North Carolina
North Carolina requires seven years of continuous possession if the person has a title, and 20 years without one. The person must live on the property openly and treat it as their own without the owner’s permission.
#15 Virginia
In Virginia, a person must live on the property for 15 years continuously, using it openly and treating it as their own without the owner’s consent.
#16 Michigan
Michigan requires 15 years of continuous, open, and notorious possession. The person must use the property openly and treat it as their own without the owner’s permission.
#17 Tennessee
Tennessee requires seven years of continuous possession if the person has a title, and 20 years without one. The person must live on the property openly and treat it as their own without the owner’s permission.
#18 Alabama
In Alabama, a person must live on the property for ten years continuously, using it openly and treating it as their own without the owner’s consent.
#19 Indiana
Indiana requires ten years of continuous, open, and notorious possession. The person must use the property openly and treat it as their own without the owner’s permission.
#20 Missouri
Missouri mandates ten years of continuous occupation, during which the person must use the property openly and treat it as their own without the owner’s permission.
#21 Minnesota
Minnesota requires 15 years of continuous, open, and notorious possession. The person must use the property openly and treat it as their own without the owner’s permission.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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