Q: Hi so i am living in a house owned by my incarcerated boyfriends parents. They do not reside here. I am not paying ren
Rent or utlitilities. Do they have the right to enter my locked house then I am not home and remove items? As well as monitor and dictate what company i have?
A:
No, if you are living in the house with the permission of the owners, even if you are not paying rent, they do not have the right to enter the home without proper notice when you are not there or remove items from the home. Here are a few key legal points that apply:
• You would be considered a tenant or occupant with established occupancy rights. The owners cannot interfere with those rights or enter without advanced communication and permission.
• Owners must follow Ohio state laws regarding tenant rights. This includes proper written notice of any entry 24–72 hours in advance. They cannot enter without consent.
• Removing possessions without permission could constitute illegal theft or improper seizure of property from lawful occupants. This applies even if no rent is being paid.
• Owners generally cannot dictate who tenants have over as guests, especially for an informal occupancy such as yours. This interferes with “quiet enjoyment” rights.
Overall, the owners have limited rights in this situation despite owning the property. Establishing tenancy with permission, even without paying rent, grants you clear legal occupancy rights they must respect regarding appropriate notice before entry and not seizing belongings. I advise pushing back firmly if they attempt to overstep boundaries.
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