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.
League City, TX
League City Code Chapter 42, Article II (Ord. 2025-46) defines nighttime hours as 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Amplified sound during nighttime in residential areas i...
League City, TX
League City exempts construction noise between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM provided it does not exceed 75 dB(A) measured from the nearest residential property. Const...
League City, TX
League City regulates driveway construction and access through Chapter 125, Article IV (Site Development Standards) and Chapter 98. All driveways must provid...
League City, TX
League City does not impose a general overnight street parking ban. Vehicles must comply with Chapter 110 parking regulations and not be abandoned (48+ hours...
League City, TX
Retaining walls in League City require building permits under Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances. Walls exceeding 4 feet in height typically require engine...
League City, TX
League City Section 125-4.4.3 limits residential fence height to 8 feet in rear and side yards, and 4 feet in front yards. Front yard fences must be at least...
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