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Adverse Possession Laws in Oregon

In Oregon, adverse possession requires 10 years of actual, open, notorious, exclusive, hostile and continuous possession, plus an honest and reasonable belief of ownership proven by clear and convincing evidence.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Oregon at a glance

Standard period
10 years
With color of title
10 years (same period)
Color of title is one way to show hostile possession, but the period stays 10 years.
Property taxes required
No
ORS 105.620 lists the elements and does not include paying property taxes.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Oregon

How many years of possession are required for adverse possession in Oregon?

Standard period in Oregon: 10 years.

Is the adverse possession period shorter with color of title in Oregon?

With color of title in Oregon: 10 years (same period). Color of title is one way to show hostile possession, but the period stays 10 years.

Does the occupant have to pay property taxes to claim adverse possession in Oregon?

No. Property taxes required in Oregon: no. ORS 105.620 lists the elements and does not include paying property taxes.

Where do the Oregon adverse possession laws come from?

The rules above come from ORS 105.620. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

Good to know

The claimant must have entered with an honest belief of ownership that had an objective basis and was reasonable, and that belief must continue through the vesting period.

What this means in practice

Courts usually require possession that is actual, open, continuous, exclusive and hostile (without the owner's permission) for the full statutory period. The person claiming the land generally has to prove each element, and courts read these requirements strictly.

Owners can protect themselves by inspecting vacant or rural land regularly, keeping boundary lines marked, and responding quickly to fences, buildings or other uses that cross the line. Written permission, such as a simple license or lease, can make a neighbor's use permissive instead of hostile.

Adverse possession does not usually transfer title automatically. The occupant often needs a court judgment, such as in a quiet title action, before the new ownership can be recorded. Boundary disputes between neighbors are often settled with a survey and a recorded deed instead of a lawsuit.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.