No, squatting in Puerto Rico is not legal under the Código Civil de Puerto Rico (Title 31, § 2801-2804), which requires adverse possession claims to meet strict 10-year continuous, open, and notorious occupancy with just title. Unauthorized occupation risks criminal trespass under Ley de Vivienda Justa (Act 222-2003) and municipal ordinances, enforced by the Policía de Puerto Rico and Departamento de Justicia. Recent 2026 amendments to Ley 81-2017 (Housing Stability Act) empower landlords to expedite evictions via Tribunal de Primera Instancia, reducing squatting loopholes.
Key Regulations for Squatting in Puerto Rico
- Adverse Possession Claims: Require 10+ years of continuous, exclusive, and hostile possession with “just title” (Title 31, § 2803). Proof must include tax payments, utility bills, or court-recognized documentation—mere occupation is insufficient.
- Criminal Trespass Penalties: Unauthorized entry into residential or commercial properties constitutes allanamiento (trespass), punishable by fines up to $5,000 or 6 months imprisonment under Art. 168 del Código Penal (Act 149-2019).
- 2026 Housing Stability Act: Mandates landlords to file eviction claims within 30 days of squatter discovery, with courts prioritizing these cases. Municipalities like San Juan enforce additional Ordenanzas de Uso de Suelo to deter occupation of abandoned properties.