Squatters Rights in New Hampshire: A Guide to Understanding and Protecting Your Property

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Squatters Rights in New Hampshire: A Guide to Understanding and Protecting Your Property

Are you concerned about someone illegally occupying your property? If so, you may be wondering if squatters rights in New Hampshire apply to your situation. This article will provide you with everything you need to know about this complex legal issue.

What Are Squatters Rights?

Squatters rights, also known as adverse possession, allow individuals to gain ownership of property that they have occupied for a certain period without the owner's consent. The specific requirements vary from state to state, but in New Hampshire, a squatter must possess the property for a continuous period of 20 years to establish a claim.

Requirements for Establishing Squatters Rights in New Hampshire:

Requirement	Description
Open and Notorious Possession	The squatter must occupy the property openly and notoriously, meaning that their presence is obvious to others.
Exclusive Possession	The squatter must have exclusive possession of the property, meaning that they do not share it with the owner or other occupants.
Actual Possession	The squatter must physically occupy the property, not just claim ownership of it.
Hostile Possession	The squatter must occupy the property without the owner's consent or permission.
Continuous Possession	The squatter must occupy the property continuously for at least 20 years.

Success Stories

In 2017, a man in New Hampshire successfully established squatters rights to a property that he had occupied for over 20 years. The owner of the property had been out of state for several years and had not paid property taxes on the land. The squatter was able to prove that he had lived on the property continuously for over 20 years and had made significant improvements to the property.
In 2019, a woman in New Hampshire established squatters rights to a property that she had inherited from her father. The property had been abandoned for several years, and the woman was able to prove that she had occupied the property for over 20 years and had made repairs to the property.
In 2021, a group of squatters in New Hampshire established squatters rights to a vacant building that they had occupied for over 20 years. The owner of the building had been out of state for several years and had not paid property taxes on the building. The squatters were able to prove that they had occupied the building continuously for over 20 years and had made significant improvements to the building.

Tips for Protecting Your Property from Squatters:

Secure your property with fences, gates, or other barriers.
Post signs that clearly state that the property is private property and that trespassing is not allowed.
Regularly inspect your property for signs of squatters, such as broken locks, boarded-up windows, or piles of trash.
Report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.

Conclusion:

Squatters rights in New Hampshire can be a complex legal issue. If you are concerned about someone illegally occupying your property, it is important to seek legal advice immediately. An attorney can help you determine if the squatter has established a valid claim and advise you on your legal options.