Property Ownership

What does 'adverse possession' require in Pennsylvania for a successful claim?

AFiling a legal claim with PREC within 3 years of first occupying the property
BActual, open, notorious, exclusive, hostile, and continuous possession for 21 years✓ Correct
CPayment of property taxes on the disputed land for 10 consecutive years
DWritten permission from the true owner to occupy the land for an extended period

Explanation

Adverse possession in Pennsylvania requires the claimant to prove actual, open and notorious, exclusive, hostile (without owner's permission), and continuous possession of the property for 21 years — one of the longer statutory periods in the U.S. If all elements are met, the adverse possessor may bring a quiet title action to obtain legal ownership. Title insurance helps protect buyers against undiscovered adverse possession claims that may not appear in recorded records.

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