Legal Definitions - actual possession

Actual possession refers to the physical control or occupancy of a property. It is the exercise of dominion over a property and the right to exclude others from using it. For example, if you are living in a house and have the keys to it, you have actual possession of the property.

Examples:

• John lives in a rented apartment and has the keys to it. He has actual possession of the apartment.
• Mary owns a car and drives it every day. She has actual possession of the car.

These examples illustrate that actual possession involves physical control or occupancy of a property. It is the most basic form of possession and is necessary to claim ownership or control over a property.