A property owner can avert the danger of losing title by adverse possession by

A property owner can avert the danger of losing title by adverse possession by

• A. recording proof of ownership in county title records
• B. inspecting the property and evicting any trespassers found
• C. claiming hostile and notorious possession
• D. filing a lawsuit against encumbrancers

Answer: (B)

Adverse possession depends on someone actually using the land in a way that is open, continuous, and adverse for a state‑defined period. By inspecting the property regularly and evicting any trespassers, the true owner actively maintains control and interrupts any unauthorized possession. This prevents a trespasser from meeting the full possession requirements (especially exclusivity and continuity) that could otherwise lead to a claim of ownership over time. Recording ownership in county records isn’t enough by itself to stop adverse possession, since the other person’s actual use of the land can still develop title. The idea of hostile and notorious possession describes what an adverse possessor would do, not what the owner should do to prevent it. Filing a lawsuit against encumbrancers addresses liens, not possession.

Adverse possession depends on someone actually using the land in a way that is open, continuous, and adverse for a state‑defined period. By inspecting the property regularly and evicting any trespassers, the true owner actively maintains control and interrupts any unauthorized possession. This prevents a trespasser from meeting the full possession requirements (especially exclusivity and continuity) that could otherwise lead to a claim of ownership over time.

Recording ownership in county records isn’t enough by itself to stop adverse possession, since the other person’s actual use of the land can still develop title. The idea of hostile and notorious possession describes what an adverse possessor would do, not what the owner should do to prevent it. Filing a lawsuit against encumbrancers addresses liens, not possession.