possessory

Possessory is an adjective relating to possession, or the right to possess something. In law and everyday usage, it often describes rights that arise from actually occupying or controlling property, rather than from formal ownership alone.

In property law, a possessory interest is the right to possess and use a piece of property. This interest can exist without full ownership—for example, a tenant with a lease, a person with a license to occupy, or a holder of a life estate has a possessory interest. By contrast, non-possessory interests, such as easements or profits à prendre, grant use or enjoyment of land without giving the holder the right to occupy the land.

Possession can be temporary or enduring, and possession-based remedies exist to protect it. Courts recognize possessory rights and can hear disputes over who has the right to occupy property, as well as actions to regain possession when someone is wrongfully in control.

Adverse possession is a related concept in which a person who possesses land openly, continuously, exclusively, and without the owner's permission for a statutory period can, under certain conditions, obtain legal title to the land. Laws governing adverse possession and possessory titles vary by jurisdiction and can affect whether possession eventually translates into ownership.

In registration and title systems, some jurisdictions distinguish between possessory titles—titles grounded in possession—and other forms of title established through a documented chain of ownership. Possessory concepts thus bridge practical control of property and formal ownership, influencing rights, duties, and remedies in property transactions.