Massachusetts Real Estate License Practice Test

What does adverse possession require in Massachusetts for a claim to be valid?

1. Ten years of continuous occupation

2. Twenty years of continuous occupation

3. Five years of ownership

4. Ownership through inheritance

The correct answer is: Twenty years of continuous occupation

In Massachusetts, a claim for adverse possession requires twenty years of continuous and uninterrupted occupation of a property. This legal doctrine allows a person to claim ownership of land under specific conditions, which include the requirement for the occupation to be notorious, continuous, exclusive, and adverse to the claims of the true owner. The twenty-year timeframe is crucial because it establishes a significant duration during which the claimant has treated the property as their own, thereby providing a strong basis for a claim of ownership against the original owner. This long duration is intended to provide a fair opportunity for the true owner to reclaim their property if they wish, while also offering security to those who have made improvements or invested in the land over time.