Adverse possession in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, an action for the possession of real property must be brought within 21 years (42 Pa. Cons. Stat. 5530).
How long it takes in Pennsylvania
Source: PA twenty-one years
What the statute requires
A separate 10-year route lets title be acquired after at least 10 years of actual, continuous, exclusive, visible, notorious, distinct and hostile possession (42 Pa. Cons. Stat. 5527.1).
For the 10-year route, real property means real estate of no more than one-half acre improved by a single-family dwelling, among other conditions (42 Pa. Cons. Stat. 5527.1).
The 10-year route requires a quiet title action with notice, and record owners then have one year to respond (42 Pa. Cons. Stat. 5527.1).
Source: PA ten year residential track
Land and people the clock does not run against
The 10-year route does not apply to property in a common interest community or property owned by the United States, the Commonwealth or a local government (42 Pa. Cons. Stat. 5527.1).
Source: PA ten year exclusions
Common questions
How many years for adverse possession in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, an action for the possession of real property must be brought within 21 years (42 Pa. Cons. Stat. 5530).