Evicting a tenant is hard enough. Evicting a family member can be downright agonizing.
There’s no guarantee the situation will turn out well, but there are ways to approach the process to give you a better chance of avoiding conflict and staying out of a courtroom.
In this article, we’ll discuss the reasons to consider evicting a family member, how to start that conversation, and—should things get this far—the legal process of removing a tenant.
This is the most common reason to evict any tenant. The two of you agreed on a monthly amount and, for some reason, your family member is failing to come up with the cash. Most courts and judges won’t allow a person to remain in a rental if they’re not paying.
If the family member is violating terms of a lease agreement, such as subletting without permission, keeping unauthorized pets, or causing damage to the property, eviction might be necessary to uphold the terms of the lease.
You may need to evict your relative if there is a health or safety violation on the property such as asbestos, mold, or lead hazards. Typically, in these situations, the problem cannot be fixed with someone living on the property. You may also have to help your family member relocate.
Perhaps your living situation has changed and you need a place to stay. Different rules will apply for this type of eviction in each state, including whether children or disabled people are involved. You might also have to help your relative move or offer them a different rental (if it’s available).
Maybe you’ve run into a debt issue and need to sell the home to pay a creditor, so you’re taking it off the rental market. These eviction rules also vary by state. You may be required to live in the home for a certain amount of time. Helping your family member relocate will likely be a requirement.
Even if you have a good relationship with your relative, talking about eviction is going to be tough.
First, you need to prepare. Define your purpose, identify your wants and needs, and picture your ideal outcome. You should mutually agree on a time and a place for the conversation where you’re both comfortable and can communicate clearly. You can practice self-soothing techniques like mindfulness and deep breathing ahead of time in case you need to use them in the moment.
You must approach the conversation with openness and an interest in problem-solving. Speak directly to your family member and remain at eye level. Talk in a matter-of-fact tone and keep your emotions in check so your message gets through. Listen to what they have to say—and stay on topic.
In the end, you should politely ask your relative to leave, tell them why, and explain how long they have to stay. They might surprise you and agree to vacate without any conflict at all.
If your relative refuses to leave and there’s no lease, or the lease is up, you can serve them with an eviction notice. If they still don’t comply, the next stop for the two of you is court.
If the judge sides with you, your family member will be given an amount of time to leave. If they remain on your property, you can call law enforcement to remove them. Of course, laws are different in each state, but, in general, this is how the eviction process goes.
A word of caution: Do not accept rent from your relative if you’re trying to evict them. That will strengthen their right to stay longer. For example, if they have a 30-day notice to move out, that time period may reset each time you accept payment, depending on your state’s laws.
Evicting a family member who doesn't pay rent is a difficult and sensitive situation that requires careful consideration and adherence to legal processes. While it's challenging to take such action against a loved one, sometimes it becomes necessary to maintain financial stability and uphold household responsibilities. Here are steps to guide you through the eviction process:
Before taking any action, familiarize yourself with the landlord-tenant laws and regulations in your area. These laws vary by location and dictate the legal process for eviction, including notice requirements and timelines.
Start by having an open and honest conversation with the family member about their failure to pay rent. Clearly express your concerns and expectations, and give them an opportunity to address the issue.
If the family member continues to neglect their rent obligations after your discussion, serve them with a formal notice to pay rent or vacate the premises. The notice should include the amount owed, the deadline for payment, and the consequences of non-compliance.
Keep detailed records of all communication and interactions related to the eviction process, including copies of the notice served, receipts for rent payments, and any relevant correspondence.
If the family member fails to comply with the notice and does not pay the rent owed or vacate the property by the deadline, you may need to file for eviction with the appropriate court. Follow the legal procedures outlined in your local jurisdiction and ensure all paperwork is completed accurately and filed within the specified timeframe.
Attend any court hearings scheduled as part of the eviction process. Present your case clearly and provide any supporting evidence, such as documentation of non-payment of rent or lease agreements.
If the court rules in your favor and grants an eviction order, follow through with the necessary steps to enforce it. This may involve working with law enforcement to remove your family member from the property if they refuse to leave voluntarily.
If you encounter any complexities or challenges during the eviction process, don't hesitate to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney specializing in landlord-tenant law. They can provide guidance and representation to ensure your rights are protected.
Understanding the proper procedures for eviction notice is crucial to ensure compliance with legal requirements and protect your rights as a homeowner or leaseholder. Here’s how to write an eviction notice:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]
[Family Member’s Name]
[Their Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Subject: Notice to Vacate
Dear [Family Member’s Name],
This letter serves as formal notice that you are required to vacate the property located at [property address] by [specific date], in accordance with applicable state and local laws.
The reason for this notice is [brief reason, for example, “non-payment of rent,” “the need for the owner to occupy the property,” or “termination of your right to reside here”]. Please remove all personal belongings and return any keys or access devices by the move-out date.
If you have questions or would like to discuss arrangements for the transition, please contact me at [phone number or email]. Failure to vacate by the stated date may result in legal action to regain possession of the property.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Eviction laws vary by state and sometimes even by city, so it’s essential to understand the local rules before taking action. In most areas, a family member living in your home has the same rights as any tenant, even if there’s no written lease. This means you must follow your state’s formal landlord–tenant procedures to remove them legally.
Typically, you will need to:
Courts can impose penalties if you try to remove someone without going through the proper legal process—for example, by changing locks or shutting off utilities. To protect yourself and ensure the eviction holds up in court, check your state’s landlord–tenant statutes or speak with a local attorney before you begin.
Filing an eviction notice with the courts is a necessary step when informal methods of resolution have failed and legal intervention is required. Here's how to navigate this process effectively:
Start with an honest, calm conversation. Explain why you need them to leave and give a clear timeline for when they should move. Offering help with resources—like information on rentals or moving services—can ease the transition.
You can’t simply force someone to leave, even if they’re a guest or relative. Most states require you to follow a formal eviction process, which usually begins with a written notice and, if needed, a court order.
In most cases, no. Even without a lease, state laws typically require you to provide written notice—often 30 days or more—before you can legally remove someone from your property.
First, ask them to leave and provide a reasonable deadline. If they refuse, serve a formal eviction notice according to local laws. If they still won’t go, you can file an eviction case in court to have law enforcement remove them.
Do not try to change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Instead, issue a written notice to vacate, keep records of all communication, and file for eviction through your local court if they ignore the notice.
If the person is a co-tenant on the lease, you generally cannot evict them yourself. The landlord or property owner must follow the state’s eviction procedures and obtain a court order for removal.
Provide a written notice stating why you’re ending their stay and how much time they have to move out. If they don’t comply, you must file an eviction lawsuit and allow the court to issue an order for their removal.
The process begins with a formal written notice to vacate. If the person does not leave within the notice period, you’ll need to file an eviction case, attend a court hearing, and obtain a court order to legally remove them.
You’ll need to follow your state’s landlord–tenant laws. That typically means preparing a written notice, filing the appropriate court paperwork, documenting your reasons for eviction, and appearing in court if the person contests the case.
Yes, but you must follow the same legal steps as you would for any tenant. Family members living in your home—whether they pay rent or not—generally have tenant rights under state law.
Often, yes. A family member who lives in your home and pays rent or contributes to household expenses is typically considered a tenant and is entitled to the same legal protections as any other renter.
Yes, but you must provide proper notice and follow the legal eviction process in your state. Skipping steps—like changing locks or removing their belongings—can lead to legal trouble for you.
Serve them with a written notice to vacate according to local requirements. If they don’t leave by the deadline, file an eviction case in court and wait for a judge to issue an order allowing law enforcement to remove them.
Typically, you start with a written notice, such as a 30-day notice to vacate. If your relative does not leave, you file for eviction in court, attend a hearing, and, if successful, receive a court order to have them removed.
Yes. Even if no lease exists, most states require you to serve a formal written notice—often called a “notice to quit”—and follow the standard eviction process through the courts.
Yes. A tenancy agreement isn’t necessary to evict someone, but you must still comply with local landlord–tenant laws by giving written notice and, if needed, obtaining a court order for eviction.
Now you know some of the situations where it may be necessary to evict a family member, how to go about having that talk, and how to evict someone.
The reasons you may want to evict your relative could be non-payment of rent, health or safety concerns, a change in your living situation, the need to sell, or other circumstances.
If you are looking to sell your home after your family member moves out, a cash buyer like New Again Houses® can purchase your property for a fast and fair cash offer. Contact us today!