Rhode Island Adverse Possession and Squatter Removal (R.I. Gen. Laws Sec. 34-7-1)

Under R.I. Gen. Laws Sec. 34-7-1, a person who holds property 'for the space of ten (10) years in the uninterrupted, quiet, peaceful and actual seisin and possession' of the land, claiming it as their own in fee simple, may obtain conclusive title against all others. Rhode Island courts require possession that is actual, open, notorious, hostile, under a claim of right, continuous, and exclusive for the full 10 years. A squatter who has not satisfied these elements has no ownership claim and remains a trespasser. To remove an occupant who is not a tenant, the owner uses the courts rather than self-help; forcible removal or utility shutoffs expose the owner to liability.

An owner may not forcibly eject an occupant or shut off utilities. Improper self-help removal can expose the owner to liability for damages, and the occupant must instead be removed through a court possession or trespass action.