Gallatin, TN asked in Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Tennessee

Q: Man with no lease, refusing to pay, doing drugs, and vandalizing our property.

We have a 37 year old man who is refusing to leave our house. His girlfriend kicked him out and we said he could stay with us for a little until he gets his own place. He has a job and He is to pay $100 each week and a portion of the water and electric. That was the deal. He was caught doing drugs inside the house and he had told him he needs to make his way out of the house now. Well it has been a month now and he is refusing to pay us and refusing to leave. Not to mention he broke into our rooms. ( he forgot to lock them back ) My fiancé has money put away in there and we know it was what he was after. We have called the police twice but he has “right to privacy” which is bs since he doesn’t have a signed leave with us! He’s a squatter!!! We told our landlord but she’s just not doing anything. We have went to the court house and the lady didn’t even care what we had to say. This is beyond ridiculous. Using our washing and dryer.. leaving our doors wide open?! When he doesn’t pay!

1 Lawyer Answer
Anthony M. Avery
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Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Knoxville, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: You might be able to file a Detainer Warrant. I admit that I do not know if this will work since you are not the landlord or the owner. However you and your Wife are entitled to possession as you have a Lease. Ask For Possession Only so the Officer can post it if personal service is not available. The Sessions Judge can only deny your Detainer, but he might order the Defendant to vacate. Otherwise some type of criminal charge is alternative, and trespass probably will not work.

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