If I have allowed someone to live on my property can they ever take it from me?

Full question:

I have a man living on his bus on my property. He has built (with my permission) a workshop/studio on the property. I would like to know if he can take my property from me after a few years. He has been living on my property 2 1/2 yrs as of now.

  • Category: Real Property
  • Subcategory: Adverse Possession
  • Date:
  • State: Arizona

Answer:

Property can be acquired by adverse possession but this is generally possession without your consent. In this context, "hostile" means without consent. See http://www.azleg.state.az.us/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/12/00521.htm&Title=12&DocType=ARS. Be sure to use the next link to see other sections of the code in Arizona.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

If someone builds on your property without permission, you may have grounds to take legal action. You can request the removal of the structure and potentially seek damages. However, if you allowed the construction, it complicates matters. In some cases, the builder might claim a right to remain if they meet certain legal criteria, such as adverse possession, but this typically requires possession without consent.