questions & answers

Question: I had a boyfriend move from another state into my apartment. It has been about 5 months, since he moved in. Things are not working out between us and I have told him that I don’t want to be with him. He is not on my lease and will not leave my apartment. I have told him several times to leave and even told him he had 30 days to get out of my apartment. He is verbally abusive and scares me. How do I get him out of my home? Can I legally change the locks when he is not there?

Answer: If he is not on the lease and has not been paying rent (thus becoming a sub-tenant)there is nothing to prevent you from changing the locks. If you think his verbal abuse and other actions arise to the level of domestic violence you could seek an Order of Protection from the local justice of the peace or municipal court. If he has been paying rent you can give him a 30 day written notice terminating his tenancy and if he fails to vacate then seek an order of eviction.