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ARTICLE · 28 OCTOBER 2024

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Squatters Rights in Australia

Astor Legal
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Important for landlords and tenants to be aware of their rights and obligations.

AustraliaReal Estate and Construction
Avinash Singh
Avinash Singh
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Squatters rights in Australia have been in the spotlight in recent years.

If a squatter has had possession of a property for a continuous period of 12 years or more, they may be able to claim adverse possession. That is why it is important for landlords and tenants to be aware of their rights and obligations.

What is a squatter?

A squatter is a person who resides in or uses an empty, unused, or abandoned area or property. A squatter may legally enter a building through an unlocked door.

However, it is illegal for them to remain there after the registered owner or legitimate occupant requests them to leave. A person who unlawfully resides or enters a property without the owner's permission is also known as a trespasser.

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