Opinion ID: 2217799
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Error in denying defendant's claim of title due to adverse possession.

Text: It clearly appears since the death of Nils T. Linge in 1945, Ivan Linge has lived upon and operated the farm. He made some improvements and accounted to no one for the rents and profits. He paid the taxes, etc., and in effect handled the land as if he was the sole owner. The record shows that in settlement of the Nils Linge estate, the title to the real estate was certified as being owned by plaintiff and defendants in equal shares. Until this action was commenced, there does not appear to have been any statements or claims made of absolute ownership to plaintiff or anyone else by Ivan Linge. In the absence of a valid contract, under which Ivan asserts title, it appears to be clear that Ivan's possession, at least to the public, including plaintiff, was that of a co-tenant. The general rule appears to be, that the possession of one tenant in common is presumed to be for the benefit of all, and will, in the absence of statute to the contrary, be regarded as the possession of all co-tenants until rendered adverse by some act or declaration by him repudiating their interest in the property. Sagen & Nelson v. Gudmanson, 164 Iowa 440, 145 N.W. 954; Moore v. Olson, 229 Iowa 182, 294 N.W. 305; 3 Am.Jur.2d Adverse Possession, Sect. 173 et seq.; 82 A.L.R.2d 5; Casey v. Casey, 107 Iowa 192, 77 N.W. 844. No where in the record do we find evidence of an ouster of the co-tenants and the decision of the trial court was correct.