Trespassing Basics

By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Chris Meyers, Esq. | Last reviewed November 29, 2021

Trespassing is a legal term that can refer to a wide variety of offenses against a person or against property. Trespassing as it relates to real estate law means entering onto land without the consent of the landowner. There are both criminal and civil trespass laws. Criminal trespass law is enforced by police, sheriffs, or park rangers. Civil trespass requires that the landowner initiate a private enforcement action in court to collect any damages for which the trespasser may be responsible (regardless of whether a crime has been committed).

Intent and Knowledge Requirements

Traditionally, for criminal or civil trespass, there is some level of intent required. The trespasser must not simply accidentally cross another's land but must knowingly go onto the property without permission. Knowledge may be inferred when the owner tells the trespasser not to go on the land, when the land is fenced, or when a "no trespassing" sign is posted.

A trespasser would probably not be prosecuted if the land was open, the trespasser's conduct did not substantially interfere with the owner's use of the property, and the trespasser left immediately on request.

Express Consent

The landowner may indicate verbally or in writing the grant of permission to enter onto the land. Make sure you have a start date and end date. In most states, a landowner may give permission to enter their land for a limited time or purpose. However, the license is revocable at any time by the landowner.

Implied Consent

The existence of consent may be implied from the landowner's conduct, from custom, or from the circumstances. Consent may be implied if the landowner was unavailable to give consent, and immediate action is necessary to save a life or prevent a serious injury.

Homeowner Liability: What if a Trespasser Gets Hurt?

As bizarre as this may sound, there are some limited protections for trespassers if they get injured while in the act, so to speak. Homeowners can sometimes be liable to trespassers if they willfully injured the person or knew or should have known about the presence of frequent trespassers and kept an unsafe condition.

What does all this mean? Well, let's say you, as a homeowner, set up a booby trap for a trespasser with a trip wire. If a trespasser trips on the hidden wire and suffers injury, the homeowner may be liable for injuries.

What are some things you can legally do? If you are concerned about trespassers coming onto your land, start with a "Private Property" or "No Trespassing" sign in a visible place. Not only does it put the trespassers on notice but it also conveys your intent to keep your land to yourself and not as a make-shift easement for others.

You may also consider installing video cameras or trail cameras in the traveled area. The presence of the camera itself can be a deterrent to some. Be sure you are up-to-date on your state's laws regarding videotaping or filming before installing a camera. You can do this by speaking with a local attorney.