What is "adverse possession"?

Adverse possession is a legal doctrine that allows an individual to claim ownership of land under specific conditions. This principle is based on the idea that landowners who fail to protect their property rights risk losing those rights to individuals who occupy the land openly, continuously, and without permission over a statutory period.

For adverse possession to be established, several criteria typically need to be met. The possession must be notorious, meaning it is visible and obvious, allowing the true owner to be aware of it. It should be continuous, without any significant interruptions, for a specific duration defined by state law. The possession is also required to be hostile, indicating that it is without the consent of the original owner. If these conditions are met, the squatter may be able to obtain legal title to the property despite not holding the original deed.

The other choices do not correctly define adverse possession. While government policies may influence land distribution, they do not pertain to the legal principles governing ownership claims. Property zoning laws involve regulations concerning land use, which do not relate to the transfer of property ownership through possession. Techniques for property valuation focus on determining property worth rather than ownership claims. Thus, the answer accurately captures the essence of adverse possession and its implications in real estate law.