Trouble with Squatters? Here’s What You Need to Know About Squatters' Rights in Texas

Managing property is tough, and dealing with squatters can make it even more difficult. Squatters are unauthorized occupants living on your property without permission. In Texas, squatter rights are defined through adverse possession laws, and understanding these laws is essential for any property owner.

What Are Squatters’ Rights?

Close-up photo of an eviction notice posted on the front door of a house, representing the first legal step to remove squatters. Relevant for a blog on how to legally evict squatters in Texas.

Squatters' rights allow unauthorized occupants to remain on a property if certain conditions are met. In Texas, squatters must reside continuously on the property for at least 10 years and meet specific legal criteria to claim ownership. Adverse possession laws also protect squatters from being displaced without proper eviction notices.

Texas Squatters’ Rights: Adverse Possession

Texas law allows squatters to claim ownership through adverse possession after meeting five critical steps. Squatters must:

  1. Have "hostile" possession, meaning they aren’t aware they are trespassing.
  2. Be the exclusive occupant of the property.
  3. Make their occupancy visible to the public.
  4. Physically live on the property.
  5. Stay for at least 10 years.

If these conditions are met and no eviction notice has been served, squatters can claim legal ownership.

"Wide photo of a property being secured with boarded-up windows and a 'No Trespassing' sign, demonstrating preventive measures against squatters. Perfect for a blog on protecting property from squatters in Texas.

How to Legally Remove Squatters in Texas

Landlords cannot forcibly remove squatters. Eviction requires following a legal process that starts with filing an eviction notice. Contacting local authorities and filing a police report helps ensure legal protection. If squatters don’t leave, property owners may need to take the issue to court.

Avoiding Squatter Situations

To prevent squatters from claiming your property, it’s essential to monitor and secure your properties. Posting “no trespassing” signs and keeping records of any unauthorized occupants can help prevent squatters from gaining adverse possession.

Conclusion
Squatters can create a frustrating situation for property owners, but by understanding squatters’ rights and following legal procedures, you can protect your property. Acting quickly to file eviction notices and preventing unauthorized access are key to avoiding long-term issues. If you’re dealing with squatters or looking to sell a property with squatter concerns, it may be worth considering selling to a cash buyer for a fast, stress-free sale.

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