Squatters' Rights

/ˈskwɒtərz raɪts/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Legal rights acquired by a person who occupies land or property without permission but meets specific statutory conditions, often including continuous and open possession for a prescribed period.
    The squatters' rights enabled the occupant to claim legal ownership after several years of undisputed residence.

Commentary

Squatters' rights typically arise under adverse possession laws; precise requirements and protections vary significantly by jurisdiction.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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