Ever heard of someone moving into a vacant house and eventually claiming it as their own? That’s the basic idea behind “squatters’ rights.” A squatter is simply someone who occupies a property without the owner’s permission. Under certain circumstances, and after a specific period, they might be able to claim legal ownership through a process called adverse possession.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of squatters’ rights in TN, specifically how adverse possession works in the Volunteer State. We’ll break down the legal framework, outline the specific requirements, and discuss what it all means for both property owners and anyone considering occupying a property they don’t own.
Understanding these laws is crucial. For property owners, it’s about protecting your investment and knowing how to prevent a squatter from gaining a legal foothold. For potential occupants, it’s about understanding your rights and responsibilities, and the very real possibility of legal repercussions.
In Tennessee, there are essentially two ways someone can try to claim adverse possession: occupying the property and paying property taxes for 20 years, or occupying the property for 7 years with what’s called “color of title.” We’ll explore both of these paths in detail.
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