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.
Odessa, TX
Construction noise in Odessa is regulated under the general noise ordinance. Construction activities in or near residential areas are expected to occur durin...
Odessa, TX
Odessa addresses excessive barking dogs under its animal control and nuisance ordinances. Dogs that bark persistently and disturb neighbors may result in cit...
Odessa, TX
Odessa's noise ordinance (Code of Ordinances Art. 8-2) prohibits any unreasonably loud or disturbing noise that materially distresses a person of ordinary se...
Odessa, TX
Odessa requires that driveways meet city standards for width, materials, and construction. All vehicles must be parked on improved surfaces—parking on grass ...
Odessa, TX
Odessa regulates the parking and storage of recreational vehicles and boats on residential properties. RVs and boats must be stored on improved surfaces and ...
Odessa, TX
Odessa regulates street parking through its traffic and parking ordinances. Vehicles must not block traffic, driveways, or fire hydrants. Some areas have tim...
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