Which of the following describes adverse possession?

Adverse possession is a legal doctrine that allows a person to claim ownership of land under certain conditions, typically through continuous and uninterrupted use and occupancy over a specified period. This means that if an individual physically occupies a piece of land, treating it as their own and without the permission of the original owner for a set duration (as dictated by state law), they may eventually gain legal title to that property.

This concept promotes the productive use of land and can resolve disputes over property rights when the original owner has neglected their duties related to the property. The critical elements of adverse possession usually include continuous possession, open and notorious use, exclusive possession, and adverse or hostile to the interests of the true owner.

Other options do not correctly describe adverse possession. The first option refers to claiming lost property, which deals with different legal principles. The third option involves documenting property history, associated with title searches or property records, rather than possession. The fourth option about establishing a lease pertains to rental agreements and does not involve the principle of acquiring ownership through occupancy. Therefore, the correct understanding of adverse possession is best captured by the description of gaining ownership through continuous use and occupancy.