Connecticut Statewide Rule
Connecticut Adverse Possession and Squatter Removal
Key Facts
- Adverse possession period
- 15 years (Sec. 52-575)
- Prescriptive easement
- 15 years (Sec. 47-37)
- Required possession
- Open, visible, exclusive, hostile, continuous
- Removal
- Court process; no self-help (Sec. 47a-43)
Summary
Connecticut allows title by adverse possession only after open, visible, exclusive and uninterrupted possession for 15 years under Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 52-575; prescriptive easements require the same 15 years under Sec. 47-37. A squatter without that long possession is a trespasser removable through summary process or entry-and-detainer proceedings.
Sec. 52-575. Entry upon land to be made within fifteen years. (a) No person shall make entry into any lands or tenements but within fifteen years next after his right or title to the same first descends or accrues or within fifteen years next after such person or persons have been ousted from possession of such land or tenements; and every person, not entering as aforesaid, and his heirs, shall be utterly disabled to make such entry afterwards; and no such entry shall be sufficient, unless within such fifteen-year period, any person or persons claiming ownership of such lands and tenements and the right of entry and possession thereof against any person or persons who are in actual possession of such lands or tenements, gives notice in writing to the person or persons in possession of the land or tenements of the intention of the person giving the notice to dispute the right of possession of the person or persons to whom such notice is given and to prevent the other party or parties from acquiring such right, and the notice being served and recorded as provided in sections 47-39 and 47-40 shall be deemed an interruption of the use and pos
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Penalties
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a squatter can claim property in Connecticut?
How do you remove a squatter in Connecticut?
Sources
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