Final answer:
To establish title by adverse possession, one must show possession that is exclusive, actual, open and notorious, hostile, and continuous for a certain statutory period.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Adverse Possession
To establish title by adverse possession, an occupant must demonstrate that their possession of the property is: exclusive, actual, open and notorious, hostile, and continuous for the statutory period. Exclusive possession means that the possessor is not sharing control of the property with the true owner or the public. Actual possession requires the possessor to physically use the land, akin to the manner a true owner would, such as inhabiting property or cultivating land. Open and notorious possession involves using the property in a way that is visible and apparent, so that the true owner is on notice of the adverse possession. The occupation is deemed hostile if it is without the permission of the rightful landowner, and the continuous aspect mandates that such possession is maintained without interruption for the entire statutory period which varies by jurisdiction but often ranges from 5 to 20 years.