What is Adverse Possession?

Adverse possession is a legal concept that allows a person to claim ownership of land under certain conditions, primarily when they have occupied or used the property in a way that is open, notorious, continuous, exclusive, and hostile to the original owner's interests. This means that if someone uses a piece of property without the permission of the original owner for a specific period, as defined by state law, they may eventually gain legal title to that property through adverse possession.

The correct answer provides a clear understanding that adverse possession results in the loss of title for the original owner due to the unauthorized use by another party, which captures the essence of this legal principle. It emphasizes how ongoing and undisputed use of someone else's property can lead to a transfer of ownership rights, effectively allowing an individual to claim title legally.

The other options do not accurately represent the concept. Inheritance pertains to transferring property rights upon someone's death, lease agreements involve contractual relationships for property rental, and a formal claim for ownership based on payment typically describes transactions like purchases rather than claim through adverse possession.