California Real Estate Practice Exam

All of the following are methods to establish title by adverse possession, except:

1. Maintaining possession continuously for a prescribed period

2. Paying the property taxes for a statutory period

3. Registering the adverse possession with the local land registry

4. Occupying the property overtly and hostilely

The correct answer is: Maintaining possession continuously for a prescribed period

The correct understanding of adverse possession involves several critical elements, and "maintaining possession continuously for a prescribed period" is indeed one of those essential methods to establish title. Establishing adverse possession requires that the possession of the property must be continuous, meaning uninterrupted for a specific duration defined by law (typically five years in California). The basis of adverse possession is articulated through various legal criteria, and among these, the occupancy must be continuous, overt, exclusive, and hostile, alongside the requirement of paying property taxes. The notion of "maintaining possession continuously" aligns perfectly with the legal framework and interpretation required for claiming adverse possession. The other methods mentioned, such as paying property taxes, occupying the property overtly and hostilely, and registration with the local land registry, each have corresponding legal significance, but continuously maintaining possession is paramount in fulfilling the adverse possession requirements. The option implying that maintaining continuous possession is not a method misinterprets the legal criteria established within California's adverse possession laws.