Legal Definitions - contentious possession

Contentious possession is when someone holds onto property that is disputed or claimed by someone else. It is similar to hostile possession, which is when someone claims ownership of property that belongs to someone else. Possession refers to having control over something and being able to use it exclusively.

For example, if two people claim ownership of a piece of land and one person builds a fence around it and starts using it, they are in contentious possession of the land. The other person may dispute their claim and take legal action to regain possession of the land.

Another example is when a tenant continues to occupy a property after their lease has expired and the landlord has asked them to leave. The tenant is in contentious possession of the property because they are holding onto it despite the landlord's claim to ownership.