I have a friend who has a woman living in his home in Grand Rapids, she is not a family member, nor does she have any lease or claim to the property. He has asked her to move out by February 1st and she is refusing. Can he just pack her up and change the locks or get assistance from the Sherriff to have her removed?

Was she originally allowed to move in? Please tell us the circumstances.

She was allow to move in as a favor with the understanding she would help to pay the bills. She hasn't paid and he would rather just have her out of the house.

If there's no lease, it seems to me that the woman is trespassing. Call the sheriff.

When did he give her that notice? Even if she has no lease she is considered a periodic (month to month) resident. She has to be given at least a 30 day notice. If she still refuses to move after the 30 days, then he has to go file for an eviction order. Only after the eviction order is issued can he get a sheriff to physically remove her.

Changing the locks would constitute an illegal eviction which could mean big trouble for him.

She was allow to move in as a favor with the understanding she would help to pay the bills. She hasn't paid and he would rather just have her out of the house.


How long has she lived there? Is there any proof of the agreement to share costs?