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Adverse possession is the occupation of land belonging to another, without the owner's consent, in a way that is open and hostile to the owner's rights. By operation of law, title can vest in the occupier after a fixed number of years of continuous occupancy.
In Idaho
In Idaho, a claim of adverse possession requires twenty (20) years of continuous possession AND payment of all taxes levied on the land during that period; possession must be by substantial enclosure or by cultivation/improvement, proven by clear and convincing evidence (Idaho Code § 5-210).
Source: Idaho Code § 5-210
Reviewed by Kootenai Title & Bonner Title Editorial Team · Last updated June 19, 2026
This definition is educational and not legal advice. See our Editorial Policy.