Squatter Rights by State

Squatter's rights, legally known as "adverse possession," allow a person to claim ownership of a property by occupying it for a specific period of time under certain conditions. These laws vary significantly by state, with timeframes ranging from as little as 3 years to as long as 30 years.

Common Requirements for Adverse Possession

• Open and Notorious: The occupation must be obvious and visible, not hidden
• Continuous: The squatter must occupy the property without significant interruption
• Exclusive: The squatter must possess the property alone, not share it with others
• Hostile: The occupation must be without the owner's permission
• Actual: The squatter must physically use the property

Many states also require squatters to pay property taxes during the occupation period. Some states reduce the required timeframe if the squatter has "color of title" (a document that appears to give them ownership, even if it's defective).