My wife and I allowed my son's girlfriend and her family to move into our shop building until they could find a place to rent. When they moved in it was supposed to be for "this weekend" and they had a place to move into on monday. That was in October it is now Feb. We have asked them several times to leave. There has never been a rental contract or agreement. They always have some reason why they have not been able to find a house. Currently living in my garage are a mom and 5 kids ages 9-20+. this started out as helping someone who was in a bad situation, but now I CANT get them to actually get out. What can I do?
We live in Washington state.

oneguyinohio

Is your son still with this girlfriend? Not sure if that will complicate things in your home, but I would think you could call the police on the squatters. You might have to go through an eviction process... not sure about that one since you did give them permission to move in there?? If it is going to cost you for a lawyer etc, it might be cheaper and make you look better to offer up a deposit to help them get into a better home?? Call it a loan or what ever, but don't really expect to get anything back from it, other than your garage.

twinkiedooter

Living in your garage is very risky. The zoning people could cite you and give you a dandy fine for that many people living in such a small area as well.

You might want to call up the Salvation Army and see if there is any room at their shelter for this family. Or you can call up the agency in your area that handles the Government public housing. I'm sure Salvation Army has the phone numbers. With that many kids, the mom will be eligible for public housing and not have to pay a dime to live there. I'm sure they didn't bother checking this out and just happily moved in on you instead.

Genghis77

The question is whether they are squatters or non paying tenants. If they are paying on utilities or have that as their mailing address you may have to go for tenant eviction. If they possess keys, they are also established as tenants. You would have bettered your situation had you brouught this to conclusion during the first 30 days.

Fr_Chuck

no, once you told them they could stay, and once you did not call the police at least after the 3rd day, after months they are no tennants, illegal once since I will assume you are not zoned for mutliple family and that building is not zoned for living.

But you will have to evict.