Tenant Won't Return Keys

**babbles8412** · 05-31-2011, 07:46 PM

My question involves an eviction in the state of: Georgia

I am active duty Marine Corps stationed in CA and I have a tenant who refuses to hand over the keys even though her lease is up 31 may 2011. I am told her possessions are out of the house. Question is, when I get there in a couple days, can I call the police to have her escorted out of the house for basically trespassing or do I have to go through the evictions proceedings which will take a while in the state of GA?

**DaveJames** · 06-01-2011, 02:02 PM

Did you notify her that you would not renew the lease ?

Did she notify you she would not be renewing the lease ?

You usually need a eviction proceedings. I am surprised at how many lanlords are landlords without knowledge of lanlord-tennant laws in their locality. CA should have the statutes available for you to read.

Have a read

http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp...gen.htm#ending

**Mr. Knowitall** · 06-01-2011, 02:54 PM

It's difficult for me to imagine that the tenant has completely removed her personal property from the premises but remains in residence. If she has completely moved out, presumably your lease describes the fee you can charge her for losing or failing to return the keys. If she in fact remains in residence, you'll need to evict her.

**DaveJames** · 06-02-2011, 02:49 AM

I don't see why you can't also give her proper notice and have an inspection of the apartment. Then you can see where she stands in the move out.

If the place is empty and she is not there, then you may be free to change the locks.

But was notice given that she would be moving out or you not renewing the lease ?