Is it Possible to Evict Someone Without a Lease?

Evictions may get problematic when there is no lease. Here you may get advice and learn about your rights.

What you will discover:

Can I evict someone who is not on the lease?
How can I remove a tenant or short-term renter that refuses to leave after their lease or rental agreement expires?
How long may a visitor remain before becoming a tenant?
Is it possible to remove a live-in caregiver?
How can I get rid of a squatter?

In an ideal world, landlords and renters always agree and the lease is renewed. However, in the real world, a well-written Lease Agreement may assist to prevent conflicts and hassles. Even the most well-prepared landlords may find themselves with someone living on their property without a lease. The following responses may assist you in determining what to do with residents who are not on the lease.

Can I evict someone who is not on the lease?

In general, yes. Someone who does not have a lease may be evicted or removed from a property if state and municipal rules are followed.

Most landlords will demand the names and signatures of all adults who reside in a rental property on the lease. They frequently include language in the agreement that prohibits non-signers from residing in the property. However, from time to time, a roommate who is not on the lease comes in. If the landlord has to remove the tenants because they are not abiding by the lease requirements, the additional roommate might present issues.

Different states’ regulations vary, but you will almost certainly need to notify the additional roommate in writing that you are terminating the living arrangement and evicting the tenant (the individual who signed the lease). You may normally offer the additional roommate a deadline to move out in that letter. You may need to give them the same length of notice as a renter, which is usually 30 days in most jurisdictions. If you live in a region with strong tenant rights, you should contact an attorney as soon as you find the extra individual residing on the property.

An Eviction Process Worksheet may assist you in preparing for an eviction by arranging pertinent facts to assist you or your attorney in weighing your choices.

How can I remove a tenant or short-term renter that refuses to leave after their lease or rental agreement expires?

A holdover renter is a tenant who has reached the end of their lease term yet refuses to leave the property. If your state prohibits holdover, you may be allowed to regard the previous renter as a trespasser. They may be forced to leave if you cease receiving rent and submit an Eviction Notice. You may be able to remove them utilizing the eviction procedures in your area. However, landlords should be cautious not to take efforts to remove renters directly, such as changing the locks, since most jurisdictions limit what actions a landlord may do to physically remove a tenant.

Some states provide a specific amount of time for holdover. In some states, you may need to provide the lingering renter as much notice as the rent payment term. If you receive rent every 30 days, for example, you may need to give the renter 30 days’ notice to depart the property. If they do not depart within that period, you will most likely be able to evict them.

How long may a visitor remain before becoming a tenant?

Tenants who like having company over may allow guests to remain longer than is permitted. This may be an issue since you have not examined their history, and certain state or municipal regulations will convert that visitor into a renter after a set amount of time, even if they have not signed a lease.

A Lease Agreement might specify that overnight visitors must depart before they can be deemed tenants. Local regulations may stipulate this time range, but it is the landlord’s responsibility to enforce it. For example, you may demand renters to get permission for any visitors who stay on the property for 14 days in a six-month period or for seven nights in a row. You may even request that a visitor be accepted and included to the Lease Agreement if they will remain for a period of time longer than the lease allows for guests.

By explicitly establishing these provisions in the first Lease Agreement, you increase your chances of being able to defend yourself if you need to remove a tenant and a long-term visitor they brought to their house.

Is it possible to remove a live-in caregiver?

Sometimes elderly or disabled renters need round-the-clock assistance. Live-in caretakers complicate the Lease Agreement and eviction issue. If an elderly or disabled renter wants permission to have a live-in caretaker, whether or not you agree, you should contact with an attorney before talking with your tenant or taking any further action. A disabled renter has specific rights, including the right to have a live-in caretaker may be governed by federal, state, or municipal regulations. In this case, it may be wise to consult with a lawyer to understand about the laws and regulations that apply to live-in carers.

If a live-in caregiver is already residing with a renter and you need to evict both the tenant and the caregiver, or simply the caregiver, you should speak with an attorney. A lawyer must evaluate your individual case to ensure that you are not breaching federal, state, or municipal laws while seeking an eviction.

How can I get rid of a squatter?

A squatter is someone who lives on your land without your permission. A squatter is someone who breaks into an empty or abandoned property and lives there. A squatter is also someone who was once permitted to dwell on the land but is now refusing to leave. When you have a squatter, you may need to first contact the police and inform them of the situation. If the cops are unable to persuade them to leave, you may have to file for eviction.

Evicting a squatter, like evicting a renter, requires the delivery of an Eviction Notice. If the squatter refuses to leave, an eviction lawsuit may be necessary. If you win the lawsuit, you may still need to request that the squatter be removed by the local police or sheriff if they do not depart freely following the case.