Neighbor thinks he owns my land?

[strum456]

I bought this section a couple years ago. It boarders our farm and was origonally part of our farm back when my grandfather bought it. I was fortunate enough to buy it back from who my grandmother sold it to.

The problem: A neighbor has been using a wooded acre or so as if it is theirs for some time now. They have a camp fire, a couple tree stands, and other stuff on what is now my propertly. The previous owner was older and likley not aware of any of this. I dont really even have a problem with these people using my property, even though I have never even talked to them before. If any of my neighbors want to use our property, they are welcome to use it as long as they dont run the hay down, steal, litter, etc.. Anyway, today is now the second time that they have blocked my quad trails with brush and debris. I also had a couple cooking grates stolen just recently. It seems as if these people are trying to keep me out of my own land. I found the corner stakes, and had my dad confirm that they were correct. I just dont understand why they are choosing to block my trails rather than asking me if it would be ok if they continue to hunt and camp. I am concerned that if I approach them, this will turn into a property line dispute or they will try squatting on me. Thoughts?

 

[RoyJackson]

I suggest you post your property with No Trespassing sgns ASAP!
Then, let them know your concerns. It's possible they may not realize who owns the property (unlikely though...me being the suspicious type).
Whatever you do, do not let them maintain it, other then cleaning up their mess from the cookouts, etc. If you allow them to hunt, require them to remove the tree stands at the end of the season.
PA has an adverse possession law (7 years).

 

[strum456]

So, what would they need to do to the land over a 7 year period to claim it? It is woods, so I dont see how they could claim they are maintaining it.

 

[strum456]

And another thing, they are blocking my trails about 150 yards from the line. They cant possibly think they own all of that.

 

[RoyJackson]

So, what would they need to do to the land over a 7 year period to claim it? It is woods, so I dont see how they could claim they are maintaining it.

Any type of "maintenance" could be construed as adverse possession...even just picking up downed branches.
Here's alink: http://www.lgc.state.pa.us/deskbook...rty_Issues_03_Title_by_Adverse_Possession.pdf

BTW, it appears it's 21 years (but I didn't read all of the linked page).

 

[Wnc3]

1. Make sure you have it deeded to you in the county records.
(properly recorded) go see a title company like Stewart Title for guidance.
2. Have a real-estate lawyer on stand by.
3. Get a current survey or spend the money for a new one.
4. Tell those people you are the new owner and they are no longer welcome
And it is a liability for them to be on your property.
( be nice, but firm)
5. If that does not work, explain it to your Sheriff and confront them with him.
6. Last resort get the lawyer to write them a letter.(you may want him involved sooner.

Not pleasant to deal with, but the sooner the better...

 

[RoyJackson]

And another thing, they are blocking my trails about 150 yards from the line. They cant possibly think they own all of that.

Suggest you post those signs...then talk to them. If they're reasonable, make your decision whether or not to allow them to continue what they're doing. Otherwise, call the law when necessary...

 

[RobertBrown]

And another thing, they are blocking my trails about 150 yards from the line. They cant possibly think they own all of that.

Really? Why not?
Do you know who you are dealing with or not?
The legal description is the record, not what your dad said or what your dad thinks he owns.
Get that legal description and then hire a surveyor to mark what it is you think you own. Give him the legal description and see what's up.You should be able to get without leaving your living room or where ever your pc is
What is recorded is what matters. then it's up to him (or you) to prove otherwise.

 

[whistlepig]

They can claim the land in Ohio after seven years of maintaining the land. You can file a letter of understanding in Ohio in the county courthouse that states that they are allowed to use your land but have no legal rights to it after the seven years but the letter must be on file. In Ohio this has to be done. Been there. Done that. Personally. I would run their darn butts off of my property.

 

[RoyJackson]

Really? Why not?
Do you know who you are dealing with or not?
The legal description is the record, not what your dad said or what your dad thinks he owns.
Get that legal description and then hire a surveyor to mark what it is you think you own. Give him the legal description and see what's up.You should be able to get without leaving your living room or where ever your pc is
What is recorded is what matters. then it's up to him (or you) to prove otherwise.

Good points, Robert...I had assumed this was done when strum456 bought the land.