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.
Grand Prairie, TX
Grand Prairie Sec. 13-283 (Ord. 11192-2022) sets decibel limits by zone: Residential 65/58 dBA Leq day/night, Commercial 67/60, Industrial 70/65, Entertainme...
Grand Prairie, TX
Grand Prairie Sec. 13-280(12) exempts normal property maintenance noise during daytime hours (6 AM-10 PM). Leaf blowers and lawn equipment must comply with d...
Grand Prairie, TX
Grand Prairie Sec. 13-282 designates Noise Zone 3 for manufacturing, industrial, and governmental properties. Sec. 13-283 sets limits of 70 dBA Leq daytime /...
Grand Prairie, TX
Grand Prairie Ch. 29, Art. VII regulates junk/inoperable vehicles. Inoperable vehicles (wrecked, flat tires, expired registration) may not be stored visibly ...
Grand Prairie, TX
Grand Prairie prohibits R-panel, metal sheeting, and plywood fencing in residential areas. Only wood, masonry, chain link, wood slats, and wrought iron are a...
Grand Prairie, TX
Grand Prairie requires pool fences at least 48 inches tall with gaps under 4 inches from the ground. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Chain link...
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