Which best describes the term "adverse possession"?

Adverse possession refers to a legal doctrine that allows a person to claim ownership of land under certain conditions, specifically through hostile occupation. This means that the individual must occupy the property without the permission of the original owner and do so in a manner that is open, continuous, and exclusive for a specified period, as defined by state laws.

The key elements of adverse possession include actual possession of the property, a hostile claim, open and notorious use, and a continuous period of possession, which often ranges from 5 to 20 years, depending on jurisdiction. This legal concept is intended to encourage the productive use of land and resolve potential disputes over ownership by recognizing a claim based on long-term occupation.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent the concept. For example, a legal claim for unpaid rent pertains to landlord-tenant relationships and does not involve land acquisition. Similarly, property transfer through inheritance relates to the passing of property rights after someone's death, while claiming ownership through a lease agreement involves a contractual arrangement rather than a claim of ownership established through occupation.