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How to Get Rid of an Unwanted Houseguest

Ever Had a Houseguest Who Just Wouldn't Leave?

By Celeste Parker, published Jul 25, 2007
Published Content: 74  Total Views: 73,451  Favorited By: 23 CPs
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Ever had a houseguest who just wouldn't leave? Ever been a good friend and let someone sleep on your couch till they were on their feet and ended up being taken advantage of? Here are some ways to get rid of unwanted houseguest.

Stop being a good host
If you make your guest feel wanted they may never leave. Stop washing clothes, cleaning up after them or cleaning the space they are using. Don't let your house become a hotel with maid service. Make them clean up after themselves. Stop being their personal chef. If that doesn't work stop buying food for them. Inform your unwanted houseguest that you can only had enough money to buy groceries for your family and let them start buying their own groceries.

Assign chores
Since your houseguest has made themselves a housemate instead of a guest start assigning them chores. Let them pitch in on the upkeep of the house. Give them specific and consistent chores. The chores don't need to be backbreaking try things like mowing the yard, walking the dog, vacuuming the house, or washing the dishes.

Make them pay
If your main consider is financial make your houseguest start paying rent or utilities. If your wanting your housemate to move out make sure your rates are higher then the local motel or weekly rental units. Also charge for things like cooking, washing clothes and household goods.

Leave them home alone
Do not always include your unwanted houseguest in your family activities. Keep your usual schedule up without always including them. Let them know that you have other friends and family you need to spend time with without them around.

Have them evicted
If you are renting your place ask your landlord to send a letter about guest not on the lease. Give them notice that they must move out by a certain time and stick to it.

How to Get Rid of an Unwanted Houseguest

A sleeping man.

Credit: Spauln

Copyright: © iStockPhoto/Spauln

Comments
Comments 1 - 13 of 13
 
 
Celeste . . . This is a good article because it's something we've all had to deal with. One time I had someone staying in my condo that wouldn't leave. So, I made up a story that my mother broke her hip and was coming to live with me. And that if he stayed much longer, that he was going to have to help me look after her because she was bedridden. This tactic worked . . . he moved in with another acquaintance and repeated the pattern of being a user.

Posted on 05/21/2008 at 2:05:14 PM

 
Sounds like you've had some bad experiences, and aren't willing to give some good advise. Thanks!

Posted on 02/26/2008 at 4:02:27 PM

 
hmm.

Posted on 02/26/2008 at 4:02:26 PM

 
this is good stuff; it's awkward for me because squatters tend to be family members. They don't stay long but they certainly do treat it like a hotel and me the maid; I have allowed them to take over my kids' rooms because the guests just couldn't sleep on the futon (too uncomfortable! Naturally, my husband and kids hated it! It was important for me to show that I respected them enough not to let myself be taken advantage of. I still struggle with it; how do you tell a parent that they are making a nuisance of themselves?

Posted on 02/26/2008 at 2:02:40 PM

 
I moved once when a reluctant housemate wouldn't leave. When he saw my furniture going out the door, he finally started packing. Some people just don't get it. (That was also my last housemate.)

Posted on 02/26/2008 at 12:02:16 PM

 
I'd make their life a living hell, videotape it, and post it on youtube.

Posted on 08/06/2007 at 12:08:00 PM

 
Great article!

Posted on 08/01/2007 at 9:08:00 AM

 
;)

Posted on 07/31/2007 at 8:07:00 PM

 
Funny tips, but I am sure they would work.

Posted on 07/30/2007 at 8:07:00 AM

 
Not something I deal with, but good article.

Posted on 07/26/2007 at 3:07:00 AM

 
Good pointers, but like Jeanne, I'd rather save my energy and just go for the kill :) If they need help in finding a place, I would be more than happy to oblige.

Posted on 07/25/2007 at 9:07:00 AM

 
I would find this a hard situation to cope with. But you mentioned some ways that could work. Sophie

Posted on 07/25/2007 at 8:07:00 AM

 
I'll just tell them to go ... I have no problem with opening my mouth ;-)

Posted on 07/25/2007 at 8:07:00 AM

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