I am a homeowner in Virginia. More than two years ago I allowed my business partner to move into my house without a rental agreement. She brought furniture and many other personal items. During the past year I have asked her to leave several times, but without success. She dismisses my requests, saying they were made in the heat of an argument, or that I have taken back the requests, which I have not. Her participation in household expenses is not regular. Importantly, my privacy is continually violated. Although I intend to continue in business with this person, I am tired of not having freedom in the house I worked hard to buy. Please help me understand my rights as a homeowner. What must I do to get this person and all her property out of my house?

If she has paid you rent, then she is a tenant. You will have to give her notice and follow the rules for eviction for Virginia. You can find a link to help at the top of this forum.

Change the locks. Unless she can PROVE that she is a tenant - has a lease, has utilities in her name, etc. she is a GUEST or INVITEE and you can remove her as such on your own... changing the locks is the easiest and offer to take her belongings to her new home for her.

Hello Cville:

Don't you have any gentler advice?? She DOES want to stay in business with this person.

excon

Hello Meadowlark:

Ok, I have some gentle advice. Sit down with this person, and tell them exactly what you told us. Tell her the complete truth too, that you actually asked for advice on how to get her out. Tell her that you were told to EVICT her, or LOCK her out. Tell her that you value the business relationship and you don't want it to suffer because of your personal relationship, but it's about to.

If she too values the business relationship, she'll get it. If not, evict her.

excon

Ok, I don't know who logged in as excon but obvoiusly someone else is using his name.

But if you want her out, you can give her ( send her) a letter giving her notice. Since you are on a month to month vebal rental agreement.
(assuming there is not a romance and she is actually a girl friend, but just a tennant)

If she does not move, you file for an eviction with the local court.

But the excon advice sounds good also