Can I give a notice to quit to my tenant's brother?

Full question:

I need my tenant to leave the house so that I can let my friend stay there. But the problem is that my tenant is out on a business tour, and at present, it is only his brother staying at the house. Is it enough if I give the notice to quit to the tenant’s brother? I live in District of Columbia.

Answer:

Yes, you can give the notice to quit to your tenant’s brother if your tenant is unavailable. According to D.C. Code § 42-3206, you can serve the notice to any adult present at the rental property when the tenant is not there. The law states that if you cannot find the tenant, it is sufficient to deliver the notice to someone of proper age at the premises. If no one is available, you can post the notice in a conspicuous place on the property. Additionally, if you post the notice, you must mail a copy to the premises within three calendar days, addressed to the person known to be in possession or, if unknown, to the person occupying the premises.

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

There is no specific legal limit on how long a friend can stay at your house. However, if they stay for an extended period, they may be considered a tenant, which could grant them certain rights. It's best to communicate clearly with your friend about their stay to avoid any misunderstandings.