I have lived with my grandmother since May 2005. I had employment for around 2 years and paid for some utilities and food while employed. I lost that employment in 2008 and have been on unemployment since February 2008. I do not pay rent, but I still buy my own groceries. She locks the screen door at night so I cannot get in the house if I come home late at night, throws my mail away etc. What does she have to do legally if she wants me to move out?

This site is pretty informative:
Ohio Evictions (http://www.rentlaw.com/eviction/oheviction.htm)

Hello j:

She has to go through a formal eviction. If she doesn't, by locking the door and disturbing your things, that can be considered a "constructive eviction", and you can sue her.

However, this isn't just an ordinary landlord tenant issue. This is your grandma. I don't think EITHER of you wants to sue the other.

Therefore, it's HER house, and for whatever reason, she wants you out. It's incumbent upon you to make other living arrangements. Plus, I'd suggest sitting down with her, and telling her that you're going to leave, so that everything is on the table. I'd be out within 30 days.

excon

Hello j:

She has to go through a formal eviction. If she doesn't, by locking the door and disturbing your things, that can be considered a "constructive eviction", and you can sue her.

However, this isn't just an ordinary landlord tenant issue. This is your grandma. I don't think EITHER of you wants to sue the other.

Therefore, it's HER house, and for whatever reason, she wants you out. It's incumbent upon you to make other living arrangements. Plus, I'd suggest sitting down with her, and telling her that you're going to leave, so that everything is on the table. I'd be out within 30 days.

excon

Thank you for your advice. It does make me feel a little better knowing she just can't say leave. I have every bit of my belongings in that house - furniture, pets, etc.

jenniferlynnh14

Thank you for your advice. It does make me feel alittle better knowing she just can't say leave. Hello again, j:

You don't pay rent, so you're not in breach of your tenancy. If you were, she could give you a 3 day notice. But, you are a month to month tenant, and as such, she can give you a 30 day written notice. If you're not out in 30 days, she can begin the eviction process.

I don't think anything is solved here. SHE probably doesn't know that she can't lock you out. SHE probably won't believe you if you tell her that you learned about it on the internet... She'll probably STILL try to lock you out... So, you need to make arrangements with her so this doesn't get messier than it already is.

excon