Does my boyfriend have legal rights to stay if I ask him to leave?

Full question:

I own my own home and my boyfriend has lived there about 20 months, If I ask him to leave does he have any legal rights to stay and do I have to give him thirty days notice? Is there anything I have to do other then to just tell him to go?

Answer:

If you ask your boyfriend to leave your home, he may have some legal rights depending on your local laws. Generally, state law requires you to provide thirty days' written notice before asking him to vacate the premises.

According to Arkansas statutes, if a tenant remains in possession of the property after the notice period without vacating, they may be considered to be holding over. In such cases, you could be entitled to double the yearly rent for the time they remain in possession after notice (Ark. Code Ann. § 18-16-106). Additionally, if he has been given notice of your intention to terminate the tenancy and does not leave, you may pursue a civil action to recover double rent for the duration of his continued occupancy (Ark. Code Ann. § 18-16-107).

It's advisable to consult with a local attorney or landlord-tenant association for guidance specific to your situation.

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

If you are not on the deed or lease of your boyfriend's house, your legal rights to stay there may be limited. Generally, the homeowner has the right to control who lives in the property. If your boyfriend asks you to leave, he may have the legal authority to do so, especially if you do not have a rental agreement or lease. It's advisable to discuss your situation with a legal professional for specific guidance based on your circumstances.