Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in District of Columbia

Re: Family Squatter

Since it is unlikely that DC police authorities would be willing to remove this family member as a trespasser, you will likely have to go through standard eviction procedures under the Landlord -Tenant branch to get him/her out.

Re: Family Squatter

Hi,

The family member has what's called a 'tenancy at will' meaning an arrangement in which one party (the tenant) occupies the premises with the permission of the owner, for an unspecified period of time.

You will need to serve a 30 day written notice to vacate on the tenant. The notice should be both posted on the door and mailed to the tenant. The notice should specify the date by which the tenant must vacate and include the amount of rent the tenant will be liable for should he/she not vacate on time. Normally, double rent would be due if the tenant stayed over the vacate period, however, since rent was not charged here previously, this might not apply initially. It may apply if the tenant stays over 60 days after the date to vacate.

If the tenant does not leave voluntarily, you will need to pursue an action of ejectment in the Landlord Tenant Court in DC.

I hope this helps. Visit my website at www.ponderlawgroup.com for more information on Housing Law.