Property Ownership

Under Massachusetts law, a prescriptive easement can be established by use that is:

APermissive, open, and notorious for 3 years
BActual, open, notorious, adverse (without permission), and continuous for 20 years✓ Correct
CHostile, exclusive, and continuous for 10 years
DOpen and continuous for 7 years with payment of property taxes

Explanation

In Massachusetts, a prescriptive easement requires actual, open, notorious, and adverse (without the owner's permission) use of another's land continuously for 20 years — the same period as adverse possession. Unlike adverse possession, the claimant doesn't need exclusive use.

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