What is a requirement for claiming ownership by adverse possession?

To establish ownership through adverse possession, one essential requirement is that the claimant must pay property taxes. This requirement is rooted in California law, where adverse possession allows an individual to gain legal title to land that they have openly and continuously occupied for a certain period, usually five years, provided that they have also paid property taxes on that land during that time.

This payment of taxes serves as an acknowledgment of responsibility for the property, which not only reinforces the claimant's claim but also distinguishes it from mere occupancy or squatting. Without paying the required taxes, the claim would not meet the legal standards set for adverse possession, making it an essential element in the process of acquiring property through this means.

In contrast, other options such as filing a lawsuit, the property being vacant, or having a written agreement do not align with the fundamental requirements outlined for adverse possession claims under California law. While legal actions might arise if disputes occur regarding these claims, they are not prerequisites for establishing adverse possession. Similarly, the property does not need to be vacant for a claim to be valid; it merely needs to be continuously and openly possessed by the claimant.