How to get rid of unwanted family house guests?

Asked by: Dr. Arnoldo Bayer I  |  Last update: March 23, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (51 votes)

The safest way to remove a guest from your property is to use the court process. There are several reasons why it may be a bad idea to use self-help eviction to remove a guest from your home. You may be risking your personal safety if the guest becomes angry or violent during or after the eviction.

How to get rid of unwelcome house guests?

Lock your doors, close the shades, and don't answer the door. Maybe set up a camera to watch them from inside. If they refuse to leave, have the authorities escort them off of YOUR property and call it a day. Can't imagine why anyone would just assume they could stay with someone.

Can you call the police for unwanted guests?

You can call the police, but it can be hard to prove to the police that the person no longer has your permission to live there. Because the guest was probably staying at your home with your permission at first, it is a good idea to write out a notice saying, “I am taking back my permission for you to be in my home.

How to keep unwanted guests away?

Tips To Keep Away Unwanted Guests

  1. Seal any exterior openings.
  2. Properly store indoor and outdoor materials.
  3. Keep everything clean.

What to do if a guest refuses to leave your house?

When a guest refuses to leave, the homeowner must follow formal eviction procedures rather than self-help removal. This typically involves providing written notice to vacate, filing an eviction lawsuit if ignored, and obtaining a court order for removal.

How To Get Rid of UNWELCOME HOUSE GUESTS (Politely)

32 related questions found

What's the quickest way to get someone out of your house?

The Landlord and Tenant Branch is eviction court, and you do not have to be a landlord to file a case to evict someone. You do not have to use the Landlord and Tenant Branch, but it is usually the fastest way to get a judgment to remove a person from your property.

Can you call the cops on someone who won't leave your house?

If you have a house guest that just will not leave, first call police. This may be enough to your house guest move out on his or her own, feeling wholly unwelcome in your property. However, if that does not work, it may be time to consider an eviction.

What is the 3 day rule for house guests?

Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler was one of the first to offer a rule for house guests: “The oldest line is still the best – guests and fish begin to smell after three days. Or, like fish, guests should go off after three days.” There you have it – Rule #1: Three days max, even for family.

How do you get rid of relatives who won't leave your house?

If you've asked them to leave your home or a rental property, and they won't budge, an eviction—taking legal action to remove a tenant—is your final option.

How to politely get rid of guests?

If party guests are lingering too long, she recommends saying, “Well, we've been so happy to see you, but I know you must be tired” and standing up. The key, she insists, is to keep standing until the other person gets up, at which point you can walk them to the door.

How to get freeloaders out of your house?

How to Legally Get Someone to Move Out

  1. Serve them an eviction notice asking them to leave in 30 days or less. ...
  2. File for an official tenant eviction order with your local courts. ...
  3. Attend the court hearing to receive a judgment. ...
  4. Change the locks after the guest leaves or is escorted away.

How do you get rid of guests who won't leave?

If you have a houseguest who won't leave, calling the police is an option. (If you're being threatened or harmed, don't hesitate to contact the police.)

What can I do if a guest won't leave my house?

If they refuse to go when asked, they are trespassing and you can use reasonable force to remove them. If you use more than reasonable force however, you may be committing an assault and can be charged, or even sued by the trespasser.

How to treat unwanted guests?

So, here are some things you can do to deal with uninvited guests.

  1. Ask them to do chores.
  2. Set a Time Limit.
  3. Don't be so nice!
  4. Offer to help them pack.
  5. Cook bad food and good lies.
  6. Make them pay.
  7. Start a major home renovation or pretend to.
  8. Get sick or pretend to.

How to nicely tell someone they can't stay at your house?

Let them know up front.

  1. Try cushioning the blow with a caveat: “As much as we'd love to have you at the house, we've just got too much going on this weekend.”
  2. Don't mince words or beat around the bush trying to avoid the topic. ...
  3. Be clear with your boundaries and expectations: "I'm so glad you want to come and visit.

How to deal with nasty family members?

Avoid arguments with that person. Remember that “the word no is a whole sentence—you can simply say no without explaining or defending yourself,” Stern says. Try to limit your contact with the person in general and avoid engaging with the family member when you do see them. Put the brakes on the person's bad behavior.

How to make a squatter uncomfortable?

However, you can make the property as uninviting and uncomfortable as possible to pressure squatters into leaving voluntarily. This includes removing amenities, setting loud alarms/lights, and turning off utilities.

What to do if a guest refuses to leave?

If your guest has not attained tenant status under local laws, call law enforcement to report that your guest is refusing to leave the property. Law enforcement may be able to remove the guest for trespassing, or they may need a court order to remove the guest.

How to get unwanted guests out of your home?

The safest way to remove a guest from your property is to use the court process. There are several reasons why it may be a bad idea to use self-help eviction to remove a guest from your home. You may be risking your personal safety if the guest becomes angry or violent during or after the eviction.

What did Ben Franklin say about house guests?

Benjamin Franklin famously said that guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.

How long is too long for houseguests?

A survey of 2,000 general population Americans looked at how long they're happy to have a guest stay with them — and pinpointed this to be just six days. Any longer than that, and the average respondent feels the guest is overstaying — with 33% even starting to drop hints that it's time to go.

Is it a crime to refuse to leave someone's house?

You should call the police immediately if the trespasser refuses to leave, causes property damage, or if you feel unsafe. In many states, law enforcement can determine whether the situation qualifies as criminal trespassing and file an incident report or press charges on your behalf.

What is the trick question police ask?

“Do You Know Why I Pulled You Over?” This question initially seems normal; an officer of the law wants you to recognize the thing you did wrong. Unfortunately, this classic traffic stop opening is a trick question that's meant to catch drivers off guard before they have time to remember their fifth amendment rights.

How to legally stop someone from coming to your house?

How to Legally Keep Someone Off Your Property

  1. Know Your Rights. If you own the property, you get to decide who can be there and who can't. ...
  2. Tell the Person to Stay Away. ...
  3. Post “No Trespassing” Signs. ...
  4. Keep Records. ...
  5. Ask the Police for Help. ...
  6. Get a Restraining Order. ...
  7. Sue for Trespassing. ...
  8. Call a Lawyer.