Arizona's adverse possession periods are tiered: 2 years by right of possession alone (A.R.S. § 12-522), 3 years under color of title (§ 12-523), 5 years under a recorded deed with taxes paid (§§ 12-524, 12-525), and a 10-year catch-all (§ 12-526). Possession must be open, hostile, and continuous; removal is by court action.
A.R.S. § 12-522 bars recovery after 'two years' against a person in possession by mere right of possession. A.R.S. § 12-523 sets 'three years' for possession under title or color of title. A.R.S. § 12-524 gives a city-lot owner with a recorded deed who 'has paid the taxes thereon for at least five consecutive years' a five-year period, and § 12-525 likewise sets 'five years' where the possessor cultivates the land, pays taxes, and holds a recorded deed. The catch-all A.R.S. § 12-526 requires action 'within ten years' (generally limited to 160 acres absent a recorded instrument). Possession must be actual, open, notorious, hostile, exclusive, and continuous; an owner removes a non-tenant occupant through ejectment or forcible detainer, not self-help.
No specific statutory penalty. If the statutory period and elements are not met, the occupant has no ownership claim and can be removed by court order; the rightful owner who fails to sue within the applicable period may lose title to the adverse possessor.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Peoria, AZ
Peoria permits residential EV charger installation with electrical permits for Level 2 systems. ARS 33-1818 prevents HOAs from banning EV chargers. Level 1 c...
Peoria, AZ
Peoria requires permits for masonry walls and block fences. Standard open fencing under 6 feet in side and rear yards may not require a building permit but m...
Peoria, AZ
Peoria limits dogs/cats to a combined total typically allowed in residential zones and treats hoarding under AZ §13-2910 animal cruelty. Maricopa County Anim...
Peoria, AZ
Smoke alarms in Peoria are required by ARS 36-1637 and the 2018 IFC adopted by City Code Sec. 9-31 (Ord. 2021-13). Approved alarms must be installed in every...
Peoria, AZ
Peoria adopts International Fire Code (IFC) Chapter 61 for LP-gas. Residential: two 20-lb cylinders max per dwelling outside; indoor storage prohibited. BBQ ...
Peoria, AZ
Peoria's fire code (2018 International Fire Code) requires property owners to clear dry brush, dead vegetation, and fire hazards. The city's northwest Valley...
See how Peoria's squatter's rights & adverse possession rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.