What is typically required for someone to exercise squatter's rights?

To exercise squatter's rights, a person typically needs to occupy the land for a defined period. This legal doctrine, also known as adverse possession, allows an individual to claim ownership of land if they have continuously and openly occupied it for a specified duration as determined by state law. This period can vary by jurisdiction, but the essential aspect is that possession must be exclusive, visible, and without the permission of the original owner during this time.

This requirement reflects the principle that land should be put to productive use, and it allows those who have been using a property for a long time—despite lacking legal title—to potentially gain ownership rights. Other options mentioned do not align with the fundamental characteristics of squatter's rights, which depend on occupation rather than formal agreements or applications.