What can a landlord do if a tenant refuses to leave after the lease ends?

Full question:

My tenant refuses to leave the house and it’s really annoying. The lease has already ended but he seems to be not interested in leaving the house. What can the landlord do if the tenant refuses to leave the premises after the expiry of the lease?

  • Category: Landlord Tenant
  • Subcategory: Lease Termination
  • Date:
  • State: District of Columbia

Answer:

If your tenant won't leave after the lease has expired, you can take legal action to evict them. You may file an ejectment action in court to regain possession of your property. According to D.C. Code § 42-3210, if a lease ends and the tenant does not vacate the premises, the landlord can seek recovery of possession in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

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

To remove someone from your home who won't leave, you typically need to follow legal eviction procedures. This usually involves providing a written notice to vacate, and if they do not leave, you may need to file an eviction lawsuit in your local court. It's important to consult your state's laws for specific requirements and processes.