There are five requirements for adverse possession in Jamaica that are necessary for a successful claim as follows:
Hostile Claim: The possession must occur without the legal owner’s permission. “Hostile” in this context does not mean aggressive but rather that the possessor is occupying the land as their own, against the rights of the true owner.
Actual Possession: The claimant must have physical control over the property, demonstrating their use of the land. This includes activities such as living on the land, farming it, or making improvements like constructing fences or buildings.
Open and Notorious: The possession must be visible and obvious to the public and the legal owner. The claimant cannot hide their occupation; it should be clear that they are treating the land as their own.
Exclusive and Continuous: The claimant must occupy the land exclusively, without sharing it with others (including the true owner), and maintain this occupation continuously for the statutory period (12 ye…
