Wisconsin recognizes three adverse-possession tracks. The default under Wis. Stat. Sec. 893.25 is 20 years of uninterrupted possession with no written instrument. Sec. 893.26 shortens it to 10 years when entry is under a recorded written instrument or judgment. Sec. 893.27 cuts it to 7 years when, in addition, the claimant pays all taxes for the period.
Under Wis. Stat. Sec. 893.25, an action to recover real estate is barred by 'uninterrupted adverse possession of 20 years,' where the occupant possesses under claim of title and the land is actually occupied and either protected by a substantial enclosure or usually cultivated or improved. Wis. Stat. Sec. 893.26 bars recovery after 'uninterrupted adverse possession of 10 years' where the claimant entered in good faith under a written instrument of conveyance or a court judgment that is recorded within 30 days of entry and maintains actual continued occupation. Wis. Stat. Sec. 893.27 reduces the period to 'uninterrupted adverse possession of 7 years' where, in addition to the recorded-instrument requirements, the claimant 'paid all real estate taxes... for the 7-year period after the original entry.' Good faith of entry and claim of title is presumed unless rebutted.
A would-be squatter who lacks the required period (20, 10, or 7 years) and the open, hostile, continuous, exclusive possession has no title and can be removed through the eviction process under ch. 799. An owner who lets the full statutory period run may lose title to the adverse possessor.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa Municipal Code Chapter 7.46 (Noise) within Title 7 prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing noise that injures the health, peace, or comfort of othe...
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa requires pets to be confined by leash, pen, or fence on owner's property. Persistent barking is a nuisance violation under Ch. 7.46. Residents may ...
Wauwatosa, WI
RV and boat storage in Wauwatosa residential areas is regulated by city zoning. Generally one RV permitted on a residential lot with setback requirements. Fr...
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa street parking follows local signage and Wisconsin traffic law. No city-wide overnight parking ban unless posted. Snow emergency restrictions apply...
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Wauwatosa, WI
Abandoned vehicles in Wauwatosa are regulated under state law (Wis. Stat. §342.40) and city nuisance ordinances. Inoperable or unlicensed vehicles visible fr...
See how Wauwatosa'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.