Arizona Adverse Possession (Squatters Rights)

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.