What is required for adverse possession to occur?

Adverse possession is a legal doctrine that allows a person to claim ownership of land under certain conditions, typically involving a lengthy period of continuous use. For adverse possession to be successful, several key elements must be met.

The requirement for payment of property taxes is significant because it helps establish the claimant's intent to treat the land as their own. This action signals to the rightful owner and the public that someone is asserting a claim over the property.

Continuous occupation for a fixed period is fundamental, as the law often specifies a set duration (which varies by jurisdiction) during which the claimant must inhabit the property. This continuous occupation demonstrates that the claimant is not merely trespassing but is actively engaging with and using the property as if it were their own.

Exclusive use indicates that the claimant is utilizing the property in a way that it is not shared with others, including the true owner. This exclusivity further solidifies the claimant's case, showing that they have taken possession in a manner that detracts from the rights of others.

Each of these components—payment of property taxes, continuous occupation for a fixed period, and exclusive use of the property—are crucial for establishing a claim of adverse possession, making the answer encompassing all these factors the most accurate choice.