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.
Missouri City, TX
Missouri City permits wood, PVC vinyl, ornamental metal, and chain link fencing in residential yards, but prohibits barbed wire on residential lots except fo...
Missouri City, TX
Missouri City requires a fence permit for any fence taller than 7 feet and for masonry fences over 6 feet, while shorter standard fences generally do not nee...
Missouri City, TX
Missouri City's Zoning Ordinance Section 14 caps residential fences at 8 feet, with stricter limits for front yards where only ornamental open fencing is per...
Missouri City, TX
Open burning is prohibited inside Missouri City limits under Chapter 38 of the Code, with narrow exceptions only for barbecue pits used for cooking and appro...
Missouri City, TX
Missouri City restricts outdoor burning under Chapter 38, generally prohibiting open burning of trash, brush, and yard waste unless a fire marshal permit is ...
Missouri City, TX
Missouri City prohibits the sale, possession, and discharge of fireworks within the city limits and within 5,000 feet of the corporate boundary, with limited...
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