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.
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Cedar Park, TX
Cedar Park collects garbage weekly and recycling every other week through Republic Services, on a day set by your address. Find your day with the collection ...
Cedar Park, TX
Cedar Park city parks are closed to vehicles and the public after posted hours; vehicles remaining in the park after closure are subject to towing. Park-hour...
Cedar Park, TX
Cedar Park has no juvenile curfew. The city's prior curfew ordinance was repealed in full by Ordinance CO28.23.09.14.E1 on September 14, 2023, after Texas HB...
Cedar Park, TX
Under Code Art. 6.04, it is unlawful for any peddler or solicitor to enter property displaying a posted 'No Solicitation,' 'No Peddlers,' 'No Trespassing,' o...
Cedar Park, TX
Cedar Park Code Art. 6.04 requires a city-issued permit for any peddler or solicitor; applications are filed online through MyGovernmentOnline with a 72-hour...
Cedar Park, TX
Cedar Park does not have a dedicated sidewalk-vending ordinance; sidewalk sales must comply with the Peddlers and Solicitors rules (Code Art. 6.04), Mobile F...
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