Adverse Possession

What is Adverse Possession?

The person in possession of the property can become the owner of it if he possesses it for a requisite period of time and if his control over the property is "adverse," which means without the consent of the real owner and that such control is exerted openly, notoriously, continuously and adverse, as though the possessor were the owner thereof. Regulated by statute from state to state.

Further Reading

For more detailed information, see our related Real Property terms:

• Dominant Tenement
• Concurrent Ownership
• Estate for years
• Appurtenant Easement
• Easement in gross