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.
Keller, TX
Keller limits construction noise to roughly 7 AM to 8 PM weekdays and Saturdays, with tighter limits on Sundays and holidays. Emergency utility work is exemp...
Keller, TX
Keller combines a plainly audible standard with dB limits at the receiving property line, typically low 60s dBA daytime and mid 50s dBA nighttime in resident...
Keller, TX
Keller requires residential driveways to be paved with concrete or approved hard-surface material. New curb cuts or driveway approaches in the public right-o...
Keller, TX
Retaining walls over 4 feet measured from grade to top require a Keller building permit and Texas-registered engineered plans. Walls must not block drainage ...
Keller, TX
Keller bans no dog breed. TX Health and Safety Code 822 (Lillian's Law) uses a behavior-based dangerous dog standard. HOAs may privately restrict breeds.
Keller, TX
Keller limits grass, weeds, and rank vegetation to 12 inches on all lots including the parkway strip. Code Enforcement uses a 10-day notice before abatement....
See how Keller's squatter's rights & adverse possession rules stack up against other locations.
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