Usucapione (Adverse Possession) in Italy

What is Usucapione?

Usucapione is a legal method of acquiring ownership of an Italian property.

There are two essential elements to  usucapione. Firstly, material possession of the asset, acting as the owner (as opposed to someone who received the right of use from the owner, e.g., by  means of a contract). Secondly, the passage of a specific period of time.

In the context of usucapione, possession should be peaceful. That is to say, possession should not have occurred through violent or clandestine means. Possession should also be continuous and uninterrupted over time. This means that possession should not have been intermittent.

Time is the essential element in usucapione. Italian legislation provides for 20 years for properties where possession is in bad faith and for other rights concerning usufruct, right of use, easements, etc. 10 years if the property is in good faith, that is, with a registered title deed by a party who was not the real property owner;

Uninterrupted possession must occur during the above mentioned periods of time. How does the law define uninterrupted? It means that possession should not be vacant for more than one year. For example, if the owner takes back possession of his asset for more than one year, usucapione is considered interrupted.

According to case law, it is compulsory to provide clear evidence concerning the start of possession. Very often witnesses play a crucial role.

Not all assets are subject to usucapione. State-owned property and/or public assets, for example, cannot be adversely possessed.

A case of usucapione?

For years a house had sat abandoned on the outskirts of a Sicilian village. Over a period of several years, starting in 1969, Giovanni started refurbishing the property. He moved in when he’d finished the renovation. Giovanni tamed the garden. He fenced it, established a vegetable plot and fruit orchard. Giovanni also fenced in some land abutting the property, where he keeps a few goats. Although he has no documents proving his title to the property, throughout the past fifty years, Giovanni has behaved as if owns the property.

Marie Louise is an American citizen who also has an Italian passport. She has presented a claim on the property. She asserts that she inherited the property from her grandfather and that she is therefore the rightful owner.

Is Marie Louise right about her claim? Or, has Giovanni acquired the property through usucapione?

How to organise a legal case based on usucapione:

The first step is to ensure you can evidence your right, specifically to have possessed the property, “uti dominus” (as if you were the owner of the property). Examples could be that you have rented the property, executed building work, etc.

Generally speaking, the role of witnesses is crucial. It is therefore essential to contact individuals who are prepared to give evidence in court.

Obviously, documented evidence is also important (for example, receipts regarding tax payments, invoices concerning building work, etc).

Compulsory mediation

Before starting a court case, it is imperative to apply for a compulsory mediation procedure with a mediation body (Organismo di mediazione) accredited by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We recommend that you engage a lawyer to help. The application should indicate the parties involved in the procedure and the property subject to usucapione.

Where the mediation procedure results in a successful outcome, the agreement reached by the parties must authenticated in the presence of a notary public.

In case of a negative outcome from a mediation procedure, it is possible to then start legal proceedings in court.

Taking an usucapione case to court

Back to the above case regarding Marie Louise and Giovanni.

Marie Louise can sue Giovanni in court to reclaim possession and re-establish her full ownership of the property. The success of Marie Louise’s claim will depend on her ability to prove that she acquired the property by valid title and, that the property belonged to her predecessors by valid title prior to her inheriting it. In addition, if Marie Louise can prove that Giovanni’s holding has not been at the property in an uninterrupted manner or that she took proprietary action during Giovanni’s holding and therefore his acquisitive prescription is incomplete, Marie Louise may be able to reclaim possession of the property.

To challenge Marie Louise’s claim, Giovanni should use witnesses to testify that he renovated the house, fenced in the land and has worked the garden in a public, continuous and uninterrupted manner for the past fifty years. In effect he has treated the property as if he were the owner. If during the past fifty years, he has also had access to utilities (e.g., water, electricity) and has paid property taxes, Giovanni should be able to produce receipts to support his usucapione claim.

Finally …

If you own property in Italy, which you have neglected for some time, it is advisable to consult a specialist Italian property attorney to prevent any risks connected with usucapione. If you would like to discuss a case, please contact us for a free consultation.

You may also be interested in Usucapione – Safeguard Your Ownership Rights