In an anarchist society based on occupancy and use property norms, temporary absences such as vacations or infrequent visits to a second home would generally not be considered abandonment of property. The core principle is that ownership depends on actual use and active occupation, but this principle is understood with reasonable flexibility around temporary non-use.
Such a society might address "abandonment periods" with practical community or customary rules. For example:
- **Reasonable Temporary Absence:** Owners are understood to retain property rights if they are temporarily absent but intend to return, keeping the property maintained or showing ongoing legitimate use (like seasonal homes).
- **Community Enforcement and Agreements:** The community or local users may have informal or formal agreements to respect temporary absences, distinguishing them clearly from true abandonment, which would imply relinquishing claims.
- **Use-Based Reclamation:** If a property is truly abandoned—left unused for a prolonged time without intent to return—others could claim it by occupancy and use, but short absences would normally not trigger loss of ownership.
- **Ongoing Care or Presence:** Leaving someone to care for the property or regular visits can uphold the ownership claim during absences.
This approach aligns with agorist principles opposing absentee ownership but recognizes practical life patterns by differentiating between temporary non-use and abandonment. **The focus remains on active engagement and use rather than strict continuous physical presence.**
Thus, vacation periods or seldom-used summer homes would not lose their property status as long as the owner maintains ongoing legitimate use or clear intent to reclaim. True abandonment would require neglect or clear abandonment of use, allowing others to occupy based on occupancy and use.
This flexible, occupancy-based property norm balances respect for property with preventing absentee landlordism and ensures property rights are grounded in active, demonstrable use rather than just legal titles or long-term absence.
No specific legal codes apply directly, but anarchist or agorist communities would likely develop norms or mutual enforcement mechanisms reflecting these principles. This bears similarity in spirit to some common-law "use it or lose it" principles but interpreted socially rather than through state law.
