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.
Humble, TX
Humble Code §8.03.011 prohibits construction, demolition, and power lawn mower operation between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Heavy equipment (§8.03.008) also prohi...
Humble, TX
Keeping any animal or bird that causes frequent or long-continued noise disturbing the vicinity is a violation of Humble's noise ordinance (Art. 8.03).
Humble, TX
Aircraft noise is federally preempted. Humble has no local aircraft noise ordinance. The city is near Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
Humble, TX
Humble does not have a standalone ordinance regulating leaf blower use. Gas-powered and electric leaf blowers are permitted for residential and commercial la...
Humble, TX
Humble Code of Ordinances Chapter 38 (Nuisances) prohibits unreasonably loud or disturbing sounds including amplified music. Sound from loudspeakers, PA syst...
Humble, TX
Humble regulates driveway construction and parking on residential property. Vehicles must be parked on improved surfaces — parking on grass, dirt, or unpaved...
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