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.
Converse, TX
Amplified music in Converse must not be audible at 30 feet from the property line during quiet hours and must not disturb neighbors at any time. Outdoor spea...
Converse, TX
Converse enforces nighttime quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM weekdays and 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM weekends under the city noise ordinance and Texas Penal Cod...
Converse, TX
Outdoor music at Converse restaurants, event venues, and private residences must end by quiet-hour start and not be audible at 30 feet. Special event permits...
Converse, TX
Converse does not impose specific leaf blower bans, but gas-powered blowers must comply with general construction hours of 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and not produce...
Converse, TX
Converse driveways require a permit from Public Works when connecting to a public street. Surfaces must be paved, widths typically 9-24 ft, and front-yard pa...
Converse, TX
Converse restricts heavy commercial vehicles from parking overnight in residential zones. Standard work pickups and vans are allowed, but semi-trucks, dump t...
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