Squatters' rights

Squatter's rights refer to the legal rights of individuals who occupy a property without the owner's permission. In many places, if someone lives in a property for a certain period—often defined by law—they may acquire legal rights to that property, potentially allowing them to claim ownership. This concept is often tied to adverse possession laws, which vary by jurisdiction. Squatters may gain these rights if they openly inhabit the property, pay taxes, and treat it as their own. These laws aim to promote land use and discourage neglect while balancing property rights and social equity.