Which term describes acquiring ownership of real property through continuous, open, and adverse possession for a statutory period?

• A. Easements
• B. Tacking
• C. Property Dedication
• D. Adverse Possession

Answer: (D)

Adverse possession is the process by which a person can obtain ownership of real property by occupying it openly and without permission for a period defined by law. To succeed, the possessor must actually use the land as a true owner would, do so in a way that is visible (open and notorious), maintain possession continuously for the entire statutory period, keep it exclusive, and possess it in a hostile or adverse manner under a claim of right. Some jurisdictions allow the time held by previous occupants to be added together with the current claimant’s time (tacking) to meet the required period. The exact period and nuances vary by state, but the concept centers on gaining title through ongoing, adverse use for the statutory term. This differs from an easement (a right to use land, not own it) and from property dedication (voluntary transfer of land to a public entity); tacking is a mechanism within adverse possession, not the overall concept itself.