Connecticut Adverse Possession and Squatter Removal

Under Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 52-575, title by adverse possession is 'accomplished by an open, visible, and exclusive possession uninterruptedly for a 15-year period.' Courts require possession that is hostile and under a claim of right, actual, open, notorious, exclusive and continuous for the full fifteen years. Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 47-37 applies the same 15-year rule to prescriptive easements (adverse use), barring rights unless the use 'has been continued uninterrupted for fifteen years.' A squatter who has not met these elements has no ownership claim and is a trespasser; owners remove them through summary process (Sec. 47a-23) or an entry-and-detainer action under Sec. 47a-43. Self-help removal is not permitted.

An owner may not use force to remove an occupant; self-help can trigger entry-and-detainer liability under Sec. 47a-43, including restoration of possession, double damages and attorney's fees. Removal must go through the courts.