What does the term latches mean in real estate terms regarding buffers between private property homes?

Answer 1

==One Answer== Laches in law indicates an unreasonable delay or negligence in pursuing a right or claim. It is associated with suits in equity. Where the plaintiff in equity delays in making their claim, even a valid claim, their relief may be refused on the grounds of laches. It is often used in reference to adverse possession claims or boundary line disputes. For example, suppose there is a buffer zone between two properties and the actual boundary line is somewhere within the buffer zone and unmarked. Neighbor Sullivan begins to use the land within the buffer zone and the abutter, Johnson, suspects he is crossing the property line but does nothing for years. If Johnson waits too long to dispute the encroachment he may be barred by laches when Sullivan seeks to establish the property line by adverse use.