ocupants

An occupant refers to a person who lives in or has possession of a place, such as a house, apartment, or other property. This term is commonly used in legal contexts, particularly in landlord-tenant law, to distinguish the person residing in a property from the owner or landlord. An occupant may be a tenant, a guest, or someone who has gained unauthorized entry, often referred to as a squatter. The rights and responsibilities of an occupant can vary significantly depending on their legal status and the specific laws governing the property.

In property law, the term occupant is also relevant when discussing adverse possession, where someone who is not the legal owner can claim ownership after occupying the property for a specified period. The definition of occupancy can also extend to vehicles, where an occupant is anyone inside the vehicle while it is in operation. This distinction is important for insurance purposes and in cases of traffic violations. The legal standing and protections afforded to an occupant depend heavily on whether their presence is lawful and whether they hold any legal interest in the property.