The Strip You Have Been Mowing
ORS 105.620 — 10 years, an honest belief of ownership, and clear and convincing evidence
10 years. A person may acquire title to land by adverse possession only if the person, and those before the person in interest, kept actual, open, notorious, exclusive, hostile and continuous possession of it for 10 years.
An honest belief of ownership. When the possession began, the person entering had to honestly believe that person was the actual owner, and the belief has to have continued throughout the 10 years, had an objective basis, and been reasonable under the circumstances. Each element has to be proved by clear and convincing evidence.
Hostile possession means possession under a claim of right or under color of title, a written conveyance or a claim by operation of law from one. Grazing livestock, without more, is not enough.
Boundary agreements, easements by use and quiet title actions run under other rules not on this page. Whether a particular strip has changed hands is a question for a court and a licensed Oregon attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- ORS 105.620 — Acquiring title by adverse possession
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Oregon attorney.