What is the term for the involuntary transfer of property ownership due to a lack of action from the current owner?

The correct term for the involuntary transfer of property ownership due to a lack of action from the current owner is adverse possession. This legal doctrine allows a person who possesses someone else's land for an extended period, in a manner that is open, notorious, exclusive, and hostile, to claim ownership of that property. The core concept here is that the original owner fails to take action to reclaim their property within a specified period, often established by state law, leading to a transfer of title to the possessor.

This phenomenon underscores the importance of property rights and the responsibilities that come with ownership, as failing to monitor or maintain one's claim can result in losing ownership entirely. Adverse possession is thus a significant principle in property law, highlighting how inactivity or neglect by an owner can lead to the involuntary loss of their property rights.

Other options do not correspond to this definition. For instance, foreclosure refers to a lender seizing property due to the owner's failure to make mortgage payments. Escheat involves property reverting to the state when an owner dies without heirs. The term transfer of title is a broad concept that relates to the legal process of transferring ownership rights but does not inherently imply involuntary circumstances or lack of action from the owner.