12. Titles Flashcards
What are the five requirements for Adverse Possession?
- maintain open, visible, and notorious possession;
- have actual physical possession or occupancy of the land;
- Exclude others from possession;
- have “hostile” possession(be there without permission); and
- maintain that possession continuously and without interruption.
What does Actual Possession of a Property signify?
It gives notice to the world at large and the property owner that someone is physically possessing the premises.
What is Constructive Adverse Possession?
- Color of title
- Actual possession of at least a significant part of the premises
What does Color of Title refer to?
It refers to something in the adverse possessor’s title that is incorrect or faulty yet indicates ownership of the property.
If a possessor proves Constructive Adverse Possession, how much land do they get?
The whole property as described in the deed/color of title.
What happens if land is divided into two or more lots in a constructive possession case?
Constructive possession extends only to the lot that the possessor actually occupies.
What happens if a third person is in possession of part of the premises in a constructive possession case?
constructive possession will not extend to the portion the third party possesses.
How is a person considered Hostile on the land?
By holding the premises in a manner inconsistent with the rights of the owner.
Under the majority rule, how is hostility judged?
Objectively; the possessor’s state of mind is irrelevant.
Under the minority rule, what must a possessor demonstrate regarding hostility?
The possessor must act in good faith and believe the land is theirs.
What are Mistaken Boundaries in Adverse Possession Cases?
A building on one parcel encroaching slightly on the adjoining parcel, often without the adjoining owner’s knowledge.
What is the Objective Majority/’Maine’ view for mistaken boundaries?
Possession is hostile as long as the possessor intends to claim the land, even if unsure of the boundary.
What is the Subjective Minority/’Connecticut’ view for mistaken boundaries?
The possessor must know that they have crossed over the boundary.
What are three additional methods to deal with Boundary Disputes?
- Oral agreement
- Long acquiescence
- Reliance on one party’s words or acts
How does a possessor show their possession was Continuous?
By possessing the property continuously for the statutory period.
Can a possessor satisfy the Continuous element without being on the property every day?
Yes, in some cases.
Can Seasonal Use of a Property satisfy the Continuous Element?
Yes, if that use constitutes the best use of the property.
What is Tacking in adverse possession?
The ability to add possession time from a previous adverse possessor to satisfy the statutory period.
When is Tacking allowed?
There must be an intentional transfer from one adverse possessor to another.
What happens if ownership of the property changes hands during adverse possession?
Adverse possession continues uninterrupted against the subsequent owner if the two owners are in privity of the estate.
What is Tolling?
The statute of limitations will not run/suspend for a period of time.
When does Tolling occur?
A disability (e.g., minor age, incompetence, imprisonment) tolls the statute of limitations if it exists at the time adverse possession starts.
What happens if the adverse possessor’s possession is in effect before the disability occurs?
The statutory period continues to run despite the period of disability.
When does the Adverse Possession period begin to run with a disabled possessor?
Once the disability ends.