Property Friday: 3 Ways to Trespass on Someone’s Land

1) What is Direct Trespass?

Physically entering or placing objects on another’s land without permission.

• No damage needed — the act itself is the wrong.

Examples of Direct Trespass

• Walking, driving or riding across someone’s land 🚶🚗🐎
• Placing rubbish or a ladder against a neighbour’s wall 🗑️🪜
• Driving a nail into a neighbour’s wall 🔨
• Staying on land after permission is revoked 🧘⛔

2) What is Indirect Trespass?

No direct entry — but your actions from your own land cause interference.

Examples of Indirect Trespass

• Discharging water or chemicals 🫗🛢️
• Tree roots crossing boundary 🪾
• Vibrations from construction 🏗️

Must involve tangible physical impact — not mere inconvenience.

3) What is Continuing Trespass?

Objects or structures remain on land.

• A new cause of action arises every day until removed.

Examples of Indirect Trespass

• Encroaching fence
• Ground anchors ⚓
• Retaining wall 🧱
• Monsoon drain

The Limitation Act 1953 does not apply — fresh action daily.

What do you need to remember about trespass types?

• Need not to know you’re trespassing — liability is strict. 🙅
• Even crossing a boundary by a single step is legally sufficient. ⛔
• If a structure stays on your land, you can sue every day it remains. ⌛
• A new landowner can inherit an ongoing claim for continuing trespass. 🔗

For further information, please contact us at Miranda & Samuel:

• Dato’ George Miranda (george@mirandasamuel.com)
• Joy Sam Jia Qian (joy@mirandasamuel.com)
• Alisyah Maisarah (alisyah@mirandasamuel.com)

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