Squatter and Adverse Possession Rules - Louisiana This guide explains the legal concepts commonly associated with squatters and adverse possession in Louisiana. It is important to distinguish unauthorized occupancy from a person who may eventually assert a legal claim under adverse-possession rules. Unauthorized occupancy A person who enters or remains on property without permission may be treated differently depending on the facts. Property owners should identify whether the person was ever a tenant, guest, licensee, employee, or other authorized occupant because the correct legal procedure can depend on that history. Adverse possession Adverse possession is a legal doctrine that can, under specific conditions, allow a person to obtain property rights after satisfying requirements established by state law. Requirements can concern possession, duration, visibility, exclusivity, continuity, hostility, payment of taxes, or other factors. The requirements are highly state-specific. Removing an occupant Owners should not assume that they can immediately remove every unauthorized occupant themselves. Depending on the circumstances, formal notice, a court proceeding, or another lawful process may be required. Self-help measures such as force, threats, or utility shutoffs can create liability. Protecting property Owners and managers can reduce disputes through secure access, accurate ownership and management records, prompt inspection, documented communications, and clear rental agreements. Vacant properties may require additional monitoring. When to obtain legal advice Because adverse possession and occupancy disputes can involve fact-sensitive property law, owners should consult a qualified Louisiana attorney when an occupant refuses to leave or claims a right to remain. State-specific considerations Rules for squatters rights laws can change through legislation, court decisions, administrative guidance, and local ordinances. Requirements may also differ by property type, tenancy type, municipality, or the facts of an individual dispute. Before relying on this guide, compare the relevant issue with the current source linked below and, when the matter is disputed or high-risk, obtain advice from a qualified attorney licensed in Louisiana. Important: This guide is general educational information, not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship and should not be used as a substitute for reviewing current statutes, regulations, ordinances, court rules, or professional legal advice. Practical checklist For property managers and owners, a useful compliance workflow is to identify the property location, identify the type of tenancy or ownership arrangement, review the current governing documents, confirm the applicable state and local rules, record important dates, preserve written communications, and use the required notices or forms. When a rule has an exception, document why the exception applies. When a dispute has already begun, preserve the complete file rather than relying on memory or informal conversations. This approach can make it easier to understand the applicable requirements and communicate consistently with owners, tenants, boards, or other parties.