Can You Kick Someone Out of Your House in Texas? A Texas-Sized How-To
So, you've got a houseguest who's overstayed their welcome. Maybe they're eating all your tacos, using your toothbrushes, or insisting on watching Real Housewives with the volume turned up to 11. You're thinking, "This person needs to bounce!" But hold your horses, cowboy! Kicking someone out isn't as simple as yelling, "Adios!"
Is This Person a Guest, Roommate, or Tenant?
First things first, figure out what relationship you have with this person. Are they a guest who's overstayed their welcome, a roommate who's turned into a nightmare, or a tenant who's not paying rent? The answer to this question will determine your next steps.
- Guests: If they're a guest, you might be able to give them a polite but firm eviction notice. Something like, "Hey, remember that time you said you'd stay for a week? Well, that week is up. Time to hit the road." But remember, if they refuse to leave, you might need to get a bit more legal.
- Roommates: If you're sharing living space with this person, you'll need to refer to your roommate agreement (if you have one). If not, things get a bit trickier. You might want to consider a heart-to-heart, or if that fails, involve the authorities.
- Tenants: If they're paying rent, you're in landlord territory. This means you'll need to follow the proper eviction process, which involves serving a notice to vacate and possibly going to court. It's a pain in the neck, but it's the legal way to do things.
Your Rights and Responsibilities
Remember, Texas is a state of laws and order (mostly). You have the right to enjoy your own home peacefully, but you also have responsibilities. You can't just throw someone's stuff out on the lawn and change the locks. That's a recipe for disaster.
When to Call the Cavalry
If you're dealing with a dangerous or violent situation, don't hesitate to call the police. Your safety is paramount. But for those less extreme cases, consider mediation or counseling. Sometimes, talking things out can be a more peaceful (and less expensive) solution.
How To... Kick Someone Out (Legally)
How to determine if someone is a guest, roommate, or tenant?
- Look at any written agreements.
- Consider the length of stay and financial arrangements.
How to give a guest the boot?
- Have a clear and calm conversation.
- Be prepared to follow up with a written notice if necessary.
How to evict a roommate?
- Refer to your roommate agreement.
- If no agreement exists, consider mediation or legal counsel.
How to evict a tenant?
- Serve a proper notice to vacate.
- Be prepared to go to court if necessary.
How to stay sane during the eviction process?
- Breathe.
- Find a good lawyer (if needed).
- Treat yourself to some tacos.
