Can my husband evict my friend from our house?

Full question:

My husband left me 3 years ago. I live in our house I'm renting out a room to a friend. Could he kick him out?

  • Category: Landlord Tenant
  • Subcategory: Lease Termination
  • Date:
  • State: Pennsylvania

Answer:

The ability of your husband to evict your friend depends on how the property is owned. If you and your husband are tenants in common, you can lease your share of the property without his consent, and he cannot evict your friend. However, if you are joint tenants with right of survivorship, you need his consent to lease the property, and he can evict a tenant.

In joint tenancy, both owners must make decisions together regarding the property, including leasing it. This type of ownership means that if one owner dies, the other automatically inherits the property. In contrast, tenancy in common allows each owner to have separate shares of the property, which can be sold or leased independently. Each tenant in common can decide how to manage their own share without needing the other owner's permission.

It's important to understand these distinctions to know your rights regarding the property and any tenants.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

When a spouse leaves the marital home, the remaining spouse typically retains the right to stay in the home, especially if they are the primary resident. However, issues regarding property ownership, custody, and support may arise. If the couple is still legally married, both parties may have rights to the property, depending on how it is owned. It's advisable to consult a legal professional to understand your rights and responsibilities in this situation.