If the initial tenancy never contained permission to use the land, what would your advice to Brett be?

In June 1985, Courtney becomes the tenant of a 2-bed house, set within a large tract of farmland owned by Brett. The tenancy permits the use of a sizeable field adjoining the house for grazing and general agriculture, a right which Courtney does not fully exercise. In fact, she has made use of a small plot nearest the house to grow tomatoes, sunflowers, bean sprouts, sweet corn, and radishes for domestic consumption.

When the tenancy expires in 1987, Courtney enters into a new tenancy for the house. However, the tenancy no longer mentions any permissions to use the adjoining field.

Nevertheless, Courtney continues to grow her food in the field and, in 2000, on the advice of a friend, sought to register her title acquired by adverse possession. Brett immediately sought to contest this, on the basis that he was preparing a sale of his land, inclusive of the field in question.

Which of the following TWO statements are most applicable to the above scenario?

In February 1991, Katie breaks into a long unused security and reception building, called The Lodge, on a large business park, belonging to Ventra Ltd, with a set of keys that she had found. 

Katie proceeds to undertake renovation work to turn the property into a residence, including significant work to the roof and façade, including installation of new double-glazing. As Katie had already got the keys, she felt it unnecessary to change the front door or locks.

In 2001, Katie looks to move and offers the place to her friend, Allison. Allison moves in immediately. As a matter of courtesy, in December 2003, Allison writes to Ventra Ltd to inform them that she is now the person making use of the building on their land.

What impact does Katie’s initial trespass have on any claim that any party might have to acquire title by adverse possession?

What is the significance of Allison’s letter to Ventra Ltd in December 2003?

Select the TWO INACCURATE statements

Read the following statements and select TWO correct ways in which the Land Registration Act 2002 changed the rules relating to the acquisition of title by adverse possession:

Select THREE answers that contribute to the rules of adverse possession in registered land BETWEEN the enactment of the Limitation Act 1980 and the enactment of the Land Registration Act 2002

Select THREE statements which best explained the core function of the rules relating to adverse possession before the enactment of the Land Registration Act 2002.

A core operative principle that underpins adverse possession is the notion of relativity of title. Which ONE of these statements can be identified as applying to the concept of relativity of title?

In 2022, Olivia and Rob sold and transferred a piece of land next to their home to their neighbour, Zack. Soon after the conveyance, Zack agreed to do some work for Olivia and Rob, in return for payment of £50,000. When the work was completed, Olivia and Rob said they were no longer in the position to pay the £50,000 but could, instead, transfer additional land to Zack instead. Zack orally agreed to this in 2023, but it was never committed to writing. Zack immediately began to excavate the newly identified plot of land and started to build a summer house and recreational area on it, as an extension to the garden on his own plot. In 2024, Olivia and Rob fell out with Zack and, during the dispute, Olivia and Rob sought to assert their possession of the land in question.

Which of the following statements most accurately describes the applicable advice to Zack in this situation?