Squatters’ rights can be a maze; in some places, a property might be claimed after a few years of quiet occupation, while in others, long-term residence doesn’t guarantee anything. Understanding how these rights unfold across the country is critical to knowing where conditions favor squatters and where the law draws a hard line. Here’s a closer look at the nuances of squatter rights across different states.

California: Squatters Are Allowed Under Conditions

In California, squatters can gain legitimate rights to a property through adverse possession. However, the process is long and mandates sustained occupancy for at least five years. Squatters must also pay property taxes during this time to claim title to the land. Demanding conditions are in place to prevent misuse of these laws.

Arizona: Open Use and Payment Required

In Illinois, adverse possession requires 20 years of continuous, open, and sole use of the property. However, if a squatter holds a “color of title”—such as a defective deed—the timeframe shortens to seven years. Remitting property taxes during this time strengthens their claim, making them more likely to gain ownership under these conditions.

Delaware: Heavily Restricted Squatter Rights

In Delaware, adverse possession requires 20 years of continuous, exclusive occupation. The property must be visibly used, and remitting taxes strengthens the claim. This rule applies only to abandoned properties where the owner has permanently left or can no longer manage them.

Florida: Squatters Can Stay, If They Follow Rules

Living on a property continuously for seven years in Florida grants squatters the potential right to claim it through adverse possession laws. They must occupy the land openly and pay taxes during this period. While it may sound straightforward, proving adverse possession involves carefully following mandated steps.

Illinois: Squatters Allowed Under Conditions

In Illinois, adverse possession requires 20 years of continuous, open, and sole use of the property. However, if a squatter holds a “color of title”—such as a defective deed—the timeframe shortens to seven years. Remitting property taxes during this time strengthens their claim, making them more likely to gain ownership under these conditions.

Washington: Squatters Can Claim Property

After a decade of uninterrupted use, Washington’s laws may allow squatters to pursue control of the property through adverse possession. These people must openly live on the property and treat it as their own. Squatters who meet these requirements might gain statutory rights, though the process is still long and involves paying taxes.

New Jersey: Stringent Rules for Adverse Possession

If someone wants to claim adverse possession in New Jersey, they must occupy a residential property for 30 years or a woodland property for 60 years. During this time, the squatters need a “color of title,” pay property taxes for at least five years, and meet all other conditions, such as exclusive, open, and uninterrupted use.

Tennessee: Strict Adverse Possession Rules

Maintaining occupancy for 20 consecutive years in Tennessee gives squatters the standing to claim property rights through adverse possession. If they hold a “color of title,” this period shortens to seven years. The occupation must be open, exclusive, and without the owner’s permission, while paying property taxes during the statutory duration strengthens their claim​.

New York: Squatters Have Rights

Many view New York’s laws as squatter-friendly, which allows settlers to claim property ownership under the right conditions. It takes ten years of continuous, open, and notorious occupation for settlers to gain title to the property through adverse possession. They must act as if they own the property, paying bills and maintaining the land.

Colorado: Easier Path for Squatters

Gaining property through squatting is easier in Colorado, thanks to its more flexible adverse possession laws. After 18 years of continuous occupation, squatters may be granted rights to the property. The individuals can also reduce this duration to seven years if they’ve paid property taxes throughout their stay and have a “color of title.”

Georgia: Strict Squatter Laws

In Georgia, squatters must occupy a property continuously for 20 years to make an adverse possession claim. Unshared occupation and lack of permission from the rightful owner are vital conditions for claiming adverse possession. Squatters must also treat the property as their own, visibly maintaining control and remitting property taxes during this time.

Texas: Squatting is Complicated

A squatter must meet specific conditions to claim outright property ownership in Texas through adverse possession. Occupying the property for three years with a “color of title” lease qualifies, while having an actual deed and paying taxes allows ownership after five consecutive years. Alternatively, a squatter can live on and improve the property for ten years.

Hawaii: Rigorous Adverse Possession Laws

Claiming adverse possession in Hawaii requires strict conditions. With a “color of title,” ongoing occupancy must last 20 years. Without one, the occupation period extends to 30 years. The law also demands that the squatter’s use of the property is open and without the owner’s permission, making it difficult for squatters to succeed.

Alaska: Exacting Anti-Squatter Laws

Securing property rights through squatting in Alaska necessitates at least ten years of sustained residence. During this time, the squatter must pay property taxes and make visible improvements to the land. However, Alaska’s laws heavily favor property owners and make it easy for them to reclaim their land even after these efforts.

Wyoming: Tough Conditions for Squatters

Wyoming mandates a decade of uninterrupted use before squatters can pursue a claim of ownership under the state’s strict squatting laws. The squatter must also pay all property taxes to claim adverse possession during this timeframe. If the property owner continues paying taxes, it disrupts the squatter’s possession, which makes it difficult to meet the lawful requirements.