In Texas a squatter can claim title only through adverse possession, with periods that shorten as the claim strengthens: 3 years under title or color of title (§ 16.024), 5 years with a registered deed plus paid taxes (§ 16.025), 10 years for bare possession capped at 160 acres (§ 16.026), and 25 years under a recorded instrument (§ 16.028).
Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.024, an owner must sue within three years against a possessor holding "under title or color of title." Section 16.025 sets a five-year bar where the possessor cultivates, uses, or enjoys the land, "pay[s] applicable taxes," and claims "under a duly registered deed" (excluding quitclaim, forged, or forged-power-of-attorney deeds). Section 16.026 sets a ten-year bar for one who cultivates, uses, or enjoys the property, "limited…to 160 acres" without a recorded instrument fixing larger boundaries. Section 16.028 sets a 25-year bar for a good-faith holder under a recorded instrument purporting to convey the property, which "extends to…all of the property described in the instrument, even though the instrument is void on its face or in fact." Possession must be actual, open, exclusive, hostile, and continuous.
No specific statutory penalty against the owner. A squatter gains title only if every adverse-possession element is met for the applicable 3-, 5-, 10-, or 25-year period; otherwise the occupant has no possessory right and is subject to removal through the eviction or trespass process.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Cedar Hill, TX
Cedar Hill does not ban specific dog breeds. Texas Health & Safety Code Ch. 822 preempts breed-specific bans, but dangerous dogs face strict registration, co...
Cedar Hill, TX
Cedar Hill restricts livestock such as horses, cattle, goats, and pigs in residential zones. Large animals are typically only allowed on agricultural-zoned a...
Cedar Hill, TX
Cedar Hill has no city-adopted Wildland-Urban Interface code and no state-mapped wildfire hazard severity zone — Texas has no formal WHSZ system. Wildfire ri...
Cedar Hill, TX
Cedar Hill requires property owners to maintain tree clearance over sidewalks (8 ft) and streets (14 ft). Major pruning of protected trees may need approval;...
Cedar Hill, TX
Cedar Hill requires lawns and weeds to be kept under 12 inches under its property maintenance code. Code Enforcement issues notices and may abate at owner ex...
Cedar Hill, TX
Cedar Hill does not prohibit artificial turf, and Texas Property Code 202.007 limits HOA bans on water-conserving landscaping. Quality, drainage, and screeni...
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