If my ex-girlfriend and I lived together for a year but she moved out last month, can I change the locks?
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If my ex-girlfriend and I lived together for a year but she moved out last month, can I change the locks?
I own my own home. She still has key. I do not wish to be here when she picks up her belongings but I do want to know a specific time so that I can have someone else here while she is here. She is already staying with another man that she is in a relationship with. However, she insists that since her license has my address and her mail still comes here, she technically still lives here. The only thing she contributed to the home was buying groceries each month, while I still paid all of her other bills such as insurance, cell, doctors, etc. This far exceeded what she spent on groceries.
Asked on July 23, 2012 under Real Estate Law, North Carolina
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
It depends on what the law considers her "status" there. If she could be considered a "tenant" then you should consider evicting her to be sure. Even guests can some times have to be evicted just so you can obtain legal use of your own home again. Good luck.
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