Adverse possession in Washington
In Washington, actions to recover real property or its possession must be brought within ten years (Wash. Rev. Code 4.16.020).
How long it takes in Washington
Washington has a seven-year rule for a possessor with actual, open and notorious possession for seven successive years and a connected title deducible of record (Wash. Rev. Code 7.28.050).
Under good faith color of title, Washington's seven-year rule requires continued possession for seven successive years and payment of all taxes legally assessed (Wash. Rev. Code 7.28.070).
For vacant and unoccupied land, the rule covers a person with good faith color of title who pays all taxes legally assessed for seven successive years (Wash. Rev. Code 7.28.080).
A successful adverse possession claimant may be required to reimburse the record owner for taxes or assessments that owner paid (Wash. Rev. Code 7.28.083).
Sources: WA ten years; WA seven years title of record; WA seven years with taxes; WA vacant land taxes; WA tax reimbursement
Land and people the clock does not run against
The seven-year color of title and tax rules do not reach land owned by the United States or the state, or school lands (Wash. Rev. Code 7.28.090).
Source: WA public and school lands
Common questions
How many years for adverse possession in Washington?
In Washington, actions to recover real property or its possession must be brought within ten years (Wash. Rev. Code 4.16.020).