Q: How to evict someone w no written lease/payment agreement but they've stayed 5 months longer than we agreed they could?
My husband and I (and our 1 year old son) allowed a mom and her 2 year old son to stay with us, 1 month max as per verbal agreement. They have been here for 6 months and won't leave. We asked them to be out by Nov. 1st 2024 and they've ignored us. It's now Jan. 9th and they still haven't left so we asked they be moved out with all belongings by Monday. To day is Friday. How do we make them leave if they aren't out by Monday? Can we evict?
A:
You have the right to ask your guests to leave, especially since they’ve stayed well beyond your initial agreement. Start by giving them a clear, written notice to vacate, specifying a reasonable deadline based on your local laws. Even though you didn’t have a written lease, most places require a certain notice period for eviction.
If they don’t leave by the deadline, you’ll need to follow the legal eviction process in your area. This typically involves filing an official eviction lawsuit and attending a court hearing. Avoid trying to force them out yourself, as actions like changing locks or removing their belongings can lead to legal issues for you.
Consider reaching out to a local housing authority or legal advisor to guide you through the process. They can provide specific information based on your location and ensure you comply with all necessary steps. Protecting your home and family is important, and following the proper procedures will help you resolve the situation smoothly.
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