[vickieore]

We have been taken care of a lot behind our home. The grass is never cut and it can cause a safety issue. The owner has not sold it or even cleaned it. Since we have done this for a few years can we claime this property in Harris County?

[LisaB4657]

First, there is no such thing anymore as squatter's rights. It has been replaced by the law of adverse possession.

Second, in order to know if you would qualify for ownership of the property we need to know your location so we can check the applicable law. In what State is Harris County?

Third, most likely you will not qualify for ownership. Most, if not all state laws require that you use and improve the property beyond just mowing the grass and cleaning up. Also, you have to use the property exclusively, which means that you must prevent others from using it. Some states require that you pay the taxes. Some states require that you believe you have some legal basis for thinking that you own the property, such as a mistake having been made in the legal description in the title.

If you feel that the property is causing a safety issue you would be better off contacting your town or county's Dept. of Health.

[Fr_Chuck]

I agree, you have no legal rights that I can see to the property.

Have you contacted the owners to try and buy it ?

If grown up, have you contacted the zoning or code enforcement to require it to be maintained?

[ballengerb1]

Texas, right? There is no law is rural Texas that a lot must be mowed or cleaned unless it is in a city that has such residential laws. You are a trespasser by most state laws, not a squatter. Texas adverse possession laws, no squatter law, has many rules and requirements. Adverse Possession in Texas After reading this, if you still believe you have a chance, contact a lawyer who specializes in land laws in Texas.