Squatters' rights refer to the laws that allow someone who has lived in a property for a certain period of time, without the legal right to be there, to claim ownership of the property. Washington has a set of laws that define the rights of squatters in the state. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to help you understand squatters rights washington state.
How long does a squatter have to occupy a property to claim ownership? In Washington, the period for adverse possession is ten years. This means that if a squatter has been living on a property continuously, openly, and without the permission of the owner for ten years, they can make a claim of ownership. However, this claim is not automatic and will require legal action to enforce.