Charlottesville, VA asked in Real Estate Law for Virginia

Q: I have no written rental agreement, and rent was month to month. Can I change the locks of my house?

she rents a room inside my home. She got a written notice to pay within 5 days what she owes about a month ago.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Elizabeth Crego
Elizabeth Crego
Answered
  • Licensed in Virginia

A: You cannot legally just change the locks, even if your lease was unwritten. You would need to make sure you go through the proper procedure to file an unlawful detainer action and evict her.

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