I am from Maine and don't know if there are any laws that apply but I would like to start charging my ex and her parents rent for a home I have filed bankruptcy on. I was awarded the house by the courts in May of 2007. While her name could not be removed from the deed, I did file the paperwork from the courts to the registry of deeds which states I am sole owner of the property. Since then I have moved out and have continued to let she and her parents reside rent free. I now want to charge them rent. They were never asked to pay rent nor was there any contractual agreement of this kind. She did move out after the divorce for about a year or so then was allowed to come back and stay rent free after her boyfriend kicked her out. What is the legal process for starting rent to someone who never had a contractual rent agreement but is already residing in the home?

You prepare a lease which states the amount of rental. You give the lease to them and tell them if they do not sign you will expect them to vacate the premises within 30 days. If they neither sign or vacate you go to court for an eviction order.

I agree but can't give you a heads up on a full 30 days without knowing where you live. Most notices to vacate do not allow 30 days but the eviction process could certainly take that long.

I agree, you either write up a lease and ask them to sign it. Or you merely give them written notice that as of >> date they are expected to pay a certain amount each month.