# D.C. Code § 16-1113: Defense of adverse possession; enclosure

> District of Columbia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1113

## Section

- **Citation:** D.C. Code § 16-1113
- **Heading:** Defense of adverse possession; enclosure
- **Jurisdiction:** District of Columbia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / § 16-1113

## Text

In an action to recover vacant and unimproved lots of ground it is not necessary, in order to maintain the defense of adversary possession, to show that the premises in controversy had been enclosed; but if it appears that the property had been assessed for taxation to the defendant, or those under whom he claims, and that he or they had regularly paid the taxes on the property and were the only persons who had exercised control over the property for a period of fifteen years before the bringing of the action, the facts shall be the equivalent of possession by actual enclosure.

## Nearby sections

- [D.C. Code § 16-1101 § 16-1101. Parties defendant; joint tenants and tenants in common.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1101.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1102 § 16-1102. Failure of tenant to give notice to landlord.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1102.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1103 § 16-1103. Contents of complaint; adverse possession.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1103.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1104 § 16-1104. Proof necessary.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1104.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1105 § 16-1105. Legal title in mortgagee or trustee; possession.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1105.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1106 § 16-1106. Performance of contract by vendee as precluding vendor from recovery.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1106.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1107 § 16-1107. Several judgments against defendants occupying distinct parcels.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1107.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1108 § 16-1108. Recovery of less than is claimed.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1108.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1109 § 16-1109. Recovery of mesne profits and damages; separate count.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1109.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1110 § 16-1110. Recovery, by landlord, of furniture, arrears in rent, and damages; separate counts.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1110.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1111 § 16-1111. Separate action for rent or damages.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1111.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1112 § 16-1112. Expiration of title pending suit; damages.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1112.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1113 § 16-1113. Defense of adverse possession; enclosure.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1113.md)
- [D.C. Code § 16-1114 § 16-1114. Verdict; judgment; costs; future actions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1114.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T16_C11_S16-1113. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.