Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Ohio
If I maintain a piece of my neighbors property, can I claim it?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Dear Inquirer: Under Ohio law, governing adverse possession, In order to assert any lawful claim to title to your neighbor's real property, you must have had and exerted possession and dominion (use) over the property for a period of 21 years, uninterrupted, under color of title,
Good luck. Sincerely, J. Norman Stark
Actually, the requirements for adverse possession are more specific. It requires: (1) actual possession (2) the possession must be open and notorious (must be noticeable) (3) you must have hostile use of the property (use without permission) (4) the use must be exclusive (you must only use it and no other individuals claiming ownership may use it) and the (5) the use must be continous for a period of 21 years.
Lisa K. Meier
Gurtner & Meier, LLC
This response is based on Ohio law and the limited facts you have provided and is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. I cannot provide adequate advice to you without meeting with you in person. If you would like to schedule a free consultation, please feel free to contact me.