[twocatonedogge]

Hi... we just boght a property that we have been looking to get for years now in Pennsylvania,we LEGALLY purchased the property and have the deed,thing is one neighbor claims HE owns it because HE cut the grass for the last year... and I have heard several people say there is a law in Pa stating if you take care of a piece of neglected land YOU own it,doesn't seem right to me... we are new owners of the land and are more then willing to take care of it... does it matter if he has cut it this long? Is there even a law that gives a person these rights to just take over land like that?

[shygrneyzs]

Take this to the city inspector where you live and show him the deed. Make sure that the property is marked correctly. Perhaps the city inspector can talk to this neighbor about the property lines. If this does not work, then fencing makes sense. The old saying, "fences makes good neighbors." Also, consult an attorney, just to know your legal rights in this. I cannot see how this neighbor can claim the land is his. Who asked him to mow this property when no one was living on it? Who did own the property before you bought it? Was it a private party or the city or county?

I think your neighbor is relying on "squatters rights" but that does not make him the legal owner. Get all your ducks in row before confronting your neighbor. Then, hopefully, you can settle this out of court.

[LisaB4657]

Your neighbor is probably relying on the doctrine of "adverse possession" to claim ownership of the land. Adverse possession laws vary by state but in most cases the person claiming ownership must prove several things which include that he used this property openly, that he excluded other people from using it, that he improved it and that he did it for a certain number of years. Merely cutting the grass is not improving it or preventing anyone else from using it and one year is not long enough.

Did you buy a title insurance policy when you bought the property? If so then contact the title company and tell them that the neighbor is claiming ownership. Also make sure you have a survey of the property. If you didn't receive one when you purchased then you should have a survey prepared now based on your deed.

If you didn't purchase title insurance then I suggest that you contact a real estate attorney.

[LisaB4657]

Ok, I just did a quick check of the PA law. The person claiming possession must have had possession of that land for 21 years. If all he's been doing is cutting the grass for the past year then he doesn't have a claim.

[twocatonedogge]

Thanks a lot both of you! Both your comments make sense and if his stand offish attitude persists we'll just contact an attorney... Thanks!