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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    2

    Default Roomate Refuses to Leave

    My question involves a roommate in the State of: Virginia

    I rent a house and am the sole person on the lease. I have a roommate who has a verbal agreement with me to rent a bedroom month to month. He pays rent to me, I pay the full monthly amount to the landlord.

    He has been a troublesome roommate and want him to move out. I sent him an electronic message at the begininng of the month, telling him to vacate at the end of the month. He responded that he would not leave. I tried to follow up with a written notice to vacate, but he refused to accept or sign it. (and I have a witness to this). He claims the only way I will get him out of the house will be to go through the courts and evict him.

    Do I have to go through the courts to get him out? If he is not out by the end of the month, can I remove his stuff and change the locks? I'm willing to be flexible and give him a few extra days if he needs, but he is being adament that he will not move out at all, and I really can't afford to hire a lawyer to start legal action against him. What can I do?

    Thanks for your help!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Toledo, OH
    Posts
    16,307

    Default Re: Roomate Refuses to Leave

    Do I have to go through the courts to get him out?
    Yes, you do.

    If he is not out by the end of the month, can I remove his stuff and change the locks?
    No. "Self help" evictions are illegal.

    I really can't afford to hire a lawyer to start legal action against him. What can I do?
    While an attorney is certainly helpful in such proceedings, one isn't strictly required. Fairfax County provides instructions here, they're not going to be substantially different in your county.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Roomate Refuses to Leave

    Thanks for the info Missy. Certainly not the answers I was hoping for, but I will follow the law for my own good. Thanks again.

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