Q: Can I move roommate belongings into another room without waiting for court ruling? Please read details
Hello, I have this roommate (His name not in lease) supposing to rent a room in my apartment. However he isn't paying rent me for a while. I'm about to start an eviction process but I was wondering if it was legal for me to remove is belonging from the bedroom? I'm not trying to throw them outside the apartment but I'd like just to free the bedroom. He could use another (not so comfortable) place in the apartment as long he refuses to leave until the eviction ends. Waiting for an answer thanks ahead.
State: Ohio
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A:
In Ohio, you generally can't unilaterally remove a roommate's belongings from their living space without following the proper eviction process, even if their name is not on the lease. Doing so could be considered an illegal eviction or "self-help eviction," which is not allowed under Ohio law and could expose you to legal penalties.
If your roommate is not paying rent, you'll need to go through the proper legal procedures for eviction. This typically involves giving a notice to vacate and then going to court if the roommate does not comply. Only after receiving a court order can you lawfully remove their belongings and reclaim the space.
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