Which element of adverse possession signifies that the possessor's use of the property would alert a reasonable person?

The element of adverse possession that indicates the possessors' use of the property is visible and would alert a reasonable person is "open and notorious possession." This means the possessor is using the property in a way that is obvious to the actual owner and the public.

This element is essential because it helps establish that the true owner has sufficient notice of the adverse use, which is one of the requirements to eventually claim adverse possession. By using the property in an open manner, the possessor demonstrates that they are not hiding their activities, and this visibility is critical for the rightful owner to take action if they choose to contest the possession.

In contrast, continuous possession refers to uninterrupted use over a specified period, hostile possession indicates that the use is without the owner's permission, and exclusive possession means that the possessor is the only one using the property. However, without the openness and notoriety of the possession, the other elements wouldn't sufficiently signal to a reasonable person that a claim to the property might be at hand. Therefore, open and notorious possession is key in the doctrine of adverse possession.