How Can I Claim Adverse Possession of Abandoned Property in California if Taxes are Due?

Full question:

how to take adverse possion of abandoned house with taxes due and leins for gabage collection ?

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

Answer:

All asessments and taxes must be paid before a claim for adverse possession may be brought. In California, adverse possession requires five years of continued use which is "open and notorious" and "adverse" to the owner's interest. The maintenance and upkeep and improvement of the property is required and for the five years of use the property taxes must be paid for the property being adversely possessed. Property that is occupied with the consent of the owners is not considered a hostile claim. Merely sending the possessor a note granting permission to be there will usually be enough to defeat a claim of adverse possession.


The following is a California statute:

325.

For the purpose of constituting an adverse possession by a person claiming title, not founded upon a written instrument, judgment, or decree, land is deemed to have been possessed and occupied in the following cases only: First--Where it has been protected by a substantial inclosure. Second--Where it has been usually cultivated or improved. Provided, however, that in no case shall adverse possession be considered established under the provision of any section or sections of this Code, unless it shall be shown that the land has been occupied and claimed for the period of five years continuously, and the party or persons, their predecessors and grantors, have paid all the taxes, State, county, or municipal, which have been levied and assessed upon such land.

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

To find the owner of an abandoned property, you can start by checking public property records at your local county assessor's office or online databases. These records typically include the owner's name and contact information. Additionally, you can search for any tax liens or other notices that may provide clues about the owner. If necessary, hiring a title company or a real estate attorney can also help you track down the owner.