Q: What is the legal distinctions between a "lodger" and a "tenant" in the U.S. state of Tennessee?
We recently allowed an acquaintance to stay in the same home that we live in on a temporary basis, with no requirement to pay rent, utilities, or provide any services to us in exchange. The plan is that this acquaintance will secure their own housing no more than four months from now. While no issues have occurred yet, since we are not very familiar with the acquaintance, we want to be sure of our legal position in case problems do arise.
In the legal eyes of the U.S. state of Tennessee, is this acquaintance a "lodger" or a "tenant"? It is worth mentioning again that the acquaintance is not required to pay rent, utilities, or provide any kind of service in exchange.
Should problems arise with the acquaintance, will we need to legally evict the acquaintance, or can it be a simple matter of calling the police to escort the acquaintance off our property?
A: You will need to file and serve a Detainer Warrant for Possession in General Sessions Court against the occupying party.
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