I had a friend /tennant live with me for 4 1/2 years. there was a verbal agreement. He would pay $300.00 per month for exchange of maintenance. Basically he turned out to be a freeloader and I allowed myself to be taken advantage of.
On Monday the 14th he just picked up and left while I was at work. it looks like he took what he needed to take but we are talking about the law. He still has my key and he is nowhere to be found. As of 12/26/20 he is still getting mail here
My problem I don't have a lot of money I earn $2000 a month and Attorneys are a lot of money ( for the wage I earn) and I'm willing to do things for myself. If I have to I will hire an attorney. From what I understand I can post a sign for 15 or 30 days on my door for my roommate to pick up his stuff and then I can dispose of it.
All I want for now is
1. what is the full procedure I need to take to rid this person forever.
2.. what happens if I just change the locks without any notice ( but he left)
Answers & Comments
If you're tenant had a lease and paid the rent up for that month or until the end of that month then moved out. But if he broke the lease (If there was one) if he didn't pay rent and abruptly moved out you can take him to court for non-rent and damages depending on the state you live in except Canada, if he moved out without a notice or forwarding address change the locks. Unfortunately not all tenants are respectful and clean up after themselves this will be a lesson learned the next time if you decide to rent again. Always take pictures when they move in and out as evidence to prove your case in case you take it to court.
You have to formally evict him technically. Disposal of stuff is much more complicated than posting a sign on a door.
Contrary to prior answers, if he moved out on his own, you DO NOT need to formally evict him.
If you can operate a screwdriver, you can buy a new lock just about anywhere and replace the current lock yourself in under 1/2 hour.
The fastest way is to go to a place like Lowes and purchase the hardware.
All you will need is a screwdriver.
First. Change the locks TODAY. He abandoned the home without notice and you have no idea who he may have given a key to. You are protecting yourself. Next, return all of his mail to the post office UNOPENED stating that he moved and left no forwarding address. Now the issue of him technically having been a tenant for so long. Different states have different requirement for eviction and I believe it would be worth a conversation with an attorney to do it correctly. You and probably never going to get back rent because you have nothing in writing and have neglected to collect for long periods and have no paper trail trying to collect. But you want to do a formal eviction so he can not come back and so that he is informed that any property left after whatever date the law makes you hold it for, is forfeited. Whether you are short on cash or not, there are some things you probably don't want to cut corners on. This may be one. Do the legal process and then cut contact with him. If he shows up after he is legally evicted he is a trespasser and you should call the police.
Verbal agreements are invalid as a rule. However, if a person has stayed or paid in kind every week or every month, it becomes week to week rental or month to month. No long term lease [verbal] is enforced. If you have taken all reasonable attempts at contacting him and still cannot locate his whereabouts; apply the appropriate rental period [whatever it was], and it has elapsed then I would return the mail stating Whereabouts unknown. Return to sender. I would also change the locks after the aforementioned length of time.
I would not advice you to dispose of property, because you are not sure if it has been abandoned. It can be placed in a storage and he can come and pay you for it. You do not have to hire a lawyer but can talk to someone; go to one of those paralegal assisted services; they will tell you what to do. Will cost you only a few hundred.
I will just note, it dose not strike me as a full story.
Go to a hardware store and buy a new lock set/door knob. It's easy to replace, check out the websites for Home Depot or any other hardware retailer near you.
just pay a locksmith to change your locks
1. You need to go through the proper eviction procedures in court.
2. He can sue you for a lot of money.