Which of the following best defines "adverse possession"?

The definition of "adverse possession" is best captured by the concept of a legal doctrine allowing property ownership after continuous possession. This principle means that if an individual openly occupies a piece of land without the owner's permission for a specified period—typically defined by state law—they may be able to claim legal title to that property.

For a claim of adverse possession to be upheld, several conditions typically must be met: the possession must be continuous, exclusive, open, and notorious, as well as hostile to the true owner's interests. This means that the individual claiming adverse possession must treat the property as their own and must not engage in any activity that implies permission from the original owner.

The other options do not accurately represent what adverse possession entails. A claim based on ownership refers more to legal ownership rights than to the process of acquiring property through adverse possession. The transfer of property through a will is associated with inheritance and does not involve possession. Renting property without a lease agreement is related to rental agreements and tenant rights, which is not relevant to the concept of adverse possession. Thus, the definition provided under the second choice is accurate and comprehensive.