how to remove a squatter

scjnat123 · May 7, 2008, 11:51 AM

I rented my townhouse out last Nov to so I can return to grad school. My tenant informed me she can no longer pay the rent and moved out. To avoid any legal action against them, she indicated she will not be returning to my townhouse and has vacated the premises. The problem, her boyfriend was living with her. His name is NOT on the lease. How do I get rid of a squatter legally, without an attorney. I have him 2 weeks as a courtesy, had a police officer escort me to my house to give her formal notice,. he indicated he is not leaving as he has no where to go.

I went to the police, township and County. They are unable to offer me any advice. They all say usually I will have to go through 'Landlord and Tenant' and file an eviction notice, however, he is not a tenant of mine so they are all unsure of this grey area. Their advice, get an attorney. This is not an option for me as the moment due to costs. Any Advice??

amricca · May 7, 2008, 12:47 PM

I'd turn off all the utilities and let them know you are the only one authorized to make changes to the accounts and change the locks. If the guy can't afford to pay rent he can't afford to sue for forcing him out. This has certain risks though and unfortunately the eviction procedure seems like the right way to go, legally anyway.

N0help4u · May 7, 2008, 12:51 PM

Good point. who is paying the utilities? If they are in the OP's name then she can definitely get the gas and electric turned off and have a code or pin # put on the account so that nobody else can turn them back on. Legally she can not turn off the water.
One small problem is some people are more concerned about the roof over their head than having the gas and electric or sleeping in the street.



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