Adverse Possession in Nevada
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Nevada requires 5 years of open, continuous occupation with payment of property taxes to gain adverse possession.
How Nevada treats Adverse Possession
An adverse possessor in Nevada must occupy the land openly, continuously, and exclusively for 5 years while paying all property taxes assessed against it. The occupation must be hostile and under a claim of right, meaning the possessor acts without the owner's permission and intends to own the land. Nevada law treats tax payment as a critical element that demonstrates the possessor's commitment to the claim.
The general definition of Adverse Possession
Gaining legal ownership of land by occupying it openly and continuously for a set period.
If someone uses another person's land openly, without permission, and continuously for many years (typically 7–21 years depending on the state), they may eventually become the legal owner. The original owner must not have stopped them during that time. This doctrine rewards people who improve and maintain land while punishing owners who abandon or ignore their property.
Read the full Adverse Possession 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 Nevada.