In the context of property rights, what does 'encroachment' refer to?

Encroachment specifically pertains to a situation where a building, structure, or any other form of improvement extends beyond its legal property boundaries onto another person's land. This typically occurs without the permission of the property owner whose land is being encroached upon. Encroachments can lead to disputes between neighboring property owners, as they infringe on the rights of the property owner to fully control and utilize their own land.

In the realm of property rights, understanding encroachment is crucial because it can affect the value and usability of both the affected property and the encroaching property. Resolving such issues often requires negotiation, legal intervention, or in some cases, may lead to a discussion about easements or property adjustments to rectify the situation.

The other definitions do not capture the specific nuances of encroachment. Legal possession of land describes ownership which is a broader concept, rights to cross over a property refer to easements, and temporary use of land implies a lease or license arrangement, none of which address the issue of a physical structure intruding into another's property.