Learn About The Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2026 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
For the purpose of constituting an adverse possession not founded upon a written instrument or a judgment or decree, land is deemed to have been possessed and occupied in either of the following cases, and no others:
1. Where there have been acts sufficiently open to put a reasonably diligent owner on notice.
2. Where it has been protected by a substantial enclosure, except as provided in subdivision one of section five hundred forty-three of this article.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - New York Consolidated Laws, Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law - RPA § 522. Essentials of adverse possession not under written instrument or judgment - last updated January 01, 2026 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ny/real-property-actions-and-proceedings-law/rpa-sect-522/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)