Accroachment is a term used in various fields, including law and land management, to refer to the unauthorized or illegal encroachment or intrusion onto someone else's property. It encompasses any act that involves the unauthorized occupation, expansion, or use of another person's land, structures, or rights.
From a legal perspective, accroachment can occur when a property owner extends their building, fence, or structure beyond the boundaries of their own land and onto an adjoining property. This encroachment may arise due to negligence, intentional actions, or through a lack of knowledge about property boundaries. Accroachment can also occur in cases where a person creates an obstruction or barrier that impedes or restricts another person's legally granted rights, such as a right-of-way or access to their own property.
In land management, accroachment refers to the encroachment of natural elements onto land or property. This can include the growth or expansion of vegetation, trees, or water bodies such as rivers or lakes, onto areas that were previously unaffected.
Accroachment is a significant issue as it can lead to disputes, conflicts, and legal actions between property owners. Resolving accroachment cases typically involves determining the ownership of the encroached area, negotiating possible solutions, or taking legal action to enforce property rights or seek compensation for damages caused by the unwanted encroachment.
