What legal right is established when a landowner occupies a property without the owner's permission?

The legal right established when a landowner occupies a property without the owner's permission is known as adverse possession. This doctrine allows a person who has been in continuous and open possession of a property without the consent of the owner to potentially acquire legal title to that property after a certain period of time, which varies by jurisdiction.

Adverse possession requires several key elements: the possession must be actual, open, hostile (which means without permission), and continuous for the statutory period set by law. This legal concept encourages the development and use of land while discouraging neglect of property.

In contrast, a general warranty deed is a type of legal document used in real estate transactions that provides a guarantee of clear title to a buyer. A quitclaim deed, on the other hand, transfers whatever interest the grantor may have in a property but does not provide any warranties regarding the property title. Littoral rights are associated with properties that are adjacent to bodies of water, focusing on the rights to access and use those water sources.

Understanding adverse possession is important for real estate professionals as it affects property rights and can lead to disputes over ownership if not properly managed.