Quiet Title in Maryland
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Maryland recognizes quiet title actions to remove clouds on title and requires adverse possession claimants to demonstrate twenty years of hostile, open possession.
How Maryland treats Quiet Title
Maryland permits quiet title suits to establish clear ownership and eliminate competing claims, whether based on superior chain of title or adverse possession. Adverse possession in Maryland requires twenty years of continuous, open, notorious, exclusive, and hostile possession without the owner's permission. The plaintiff must prove superior title or prescriptive rights through clear and convincing evidence, and the court will examine all recorded and unrecorded interests in the property. Maryland courts issue a final decree that quiets all adverse claims and provides marketable title.
The general definition of Quiet Title
A lawsuit to establish clear, undisputed ownership of property and remove competing claims.
When property ownership is clouded by old liens, unclear deeds, or competing claims, the owner can file a quiet title action in court. The court reviews all claims to the property and issues a judgment declaring who the true owner is. This clears the title so the owner can sell, refinance, or transfer the property without worrying about hidden claims.
Read the full Quiet Title entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.