Shelly Emile5 months agoI’m a 25-year-old woman, and I’m in a situation with a 36-year-old man that I need help with. To give you some context, I own my house in Maine, and he moved in with me under false pretenses. He lied about several things: his job, his income, his smoking habits, and he even expressed that he doesn’t like my dogs. On top of that, I found out that he got fired from his previous job due to sexual harassment, and on New Year’s Eve, he littered cigarette butts all over my backyard, despite me having dogs. This situation has made me feel unsafe, and I’m really overwhelmed. My friends are offering to come over and ask him to leave, and they want to explain to him that his lies and actions are not acceptable, and I need him to go. So my main concern is: how badly can I get in trouble if I ask him to leave and end up breaking his lease? I own the house, but I’m unsure how the legal side of this works, especially since my legal insurance denied my case and I can’t afford a lawyer right now. I just need advice on how to handle this, as I’m feeling really naive and overwhelmed. I’d rather get some guidance here before seeking legal advice, as I need to figure out the best way to handle this situation. Any support or suggestions would be really appreciated. Response & Advice: First of all, I’m really sorry you're going through this—it sounds like a difficult and overwhelming situation. You are definitely not stupid for asking questions and seeking advice; it’s smart to figure out your options before making any moves. Here’s what you should keep in mind when it comes to having him leave your house: 1. Understand Your Rights as a Homeowner: Since you own the house, you generally have the right to decide who stays and who doesn’t. However, if he has lived there for a significant amount of time and has established any kind of lease agreement—whether written or verbal—there may be legal processes to follow to make sure everything is done properly. Since you mentioned that he lied to get in and it’s making you feel unsafe, these factors could give you some grounds to ask him to leave. 2. Breaking the Lease: Even though you own the house, if there’s a lease agreement in place (even an informal one), breaking it without following proper procedures could potentially expose you to risks. If he’s a tenant, depending on your local laws, you may need to go through a formal eviction process. However, if he was not paying rent or did not have a lease (or you can prove that the agreement was made under false pretenses), you could have a stronger case to ask him to leave immediately. It’s best to check your local Maine laws regarding this, as they can vary. 3. Documentation: Make sure you document everything. This includes keeping records of any messages where he lied, his behaviors (like the smoking and littering), and any other relevant details. Documentation will be helpful in case the situation escalates or if you need to prove your reasons for asking him to leave. 4. Talking to Him: Before taking any drastic steps, if you feel safe doing so, it might be worth having a calm conversation with him to let him know that his actions have made you feel unsafe and uncomfortable. If you do decide to ask him to leave directly, it might be helpful to do so in a way that avoids confrontation—having friends come with you, as you mentioned, could be a good idea. 5. What to Do Next: Inform Him: Let him know that you’ve decided that he needs to leave, especially since he lied about things that are important to you and has made you feel unsafe in your own home. Give Him a Timeline: You can set a reasonable amount of time for him to find somewhere else to stay (usually 30 days if you can legally do so). Make sure to communicate this in writing if possible. If You Feel Unsafe: If you fear for your safety or he refuses to leave, you might have to take further action, such as seeking a protective order or contacting law enforcement if necessary. 6. Legal Considerations: Since your legal insurance denied your case, you might want to look into local legal aid services, as they can sometimes offer free or low-cost consultations for situations like yours. There are also online resources that can help you understand tenant rights and your responsibilities. Conclusion: You have every right to feel safe in your own home, and it’s important to prioritize your wellbeing. While you may need to follow a legal process if he has a lease or is considered a tenant, you also have the right to ask him to leave if you’ve been misled or feel unsafe. Take the steps that make you feel most comfortable, but also be sure to research Maine’s specific laws or seek legal advice if you’re unsure about the next steps. Good luck, and stay safe! 2140
Shelly EmileShelly Emile