We rented a room to a friend of ours back in May, her, myself and my wife signed a 'at-will' rent agreement with her. She had informed us that she was moving out this month, she didn't know the exact date but she would definatly be out by the end of the month. We haven't seen her or heard from her in a week as of today, we have tried to call and txt message her regarding rent(technically not due till end of month, but was hoping she would have some of it). I am replacing the front door on the house soon, and since the new door comes with a new lock and bolt set I wasn't going to put the old locks back in(they don't match the door whatsoever). She's known my intention of doing this for quite some time as I've wanted to replace the door all summer. I decided to wait till the begining to November to have the door changed, but if she hasn't been around to get any of her stuff, pack, etc. Would I get in some sort of legal trouble for having the lock changed with the new door? I have been trying to get a hold of her on a daily basis so has my wife and she hasn't returned any phone calls or messages.
Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 10/23/2011 - 10:34
self help eviction
Not sure I understand when the rent was due for October, but if it is late, post a 14 day notice to quit on the door and mail one, return receipt requested, to her last know address. In the wacky and wonderful world of being a landlord in Massachusetts, it does not matter how irresponsibly or strangely a tenant behaves, if you do a self help eviction, such as changing the locks before getting a court order for possession of the premises, you are asking for trouble.