Having an uninvited guest that refuses to leave your home can be an incredibly frustrating and even scary experience. While there are a few different terms used to describe someone who overstays their welcome in your home, some key factors play into what the best name for this situation is.
Key Factors That Determine What To Call Someone Who Won’t Leave
Some key considerations when deciding what to call someone who won’t leave your house include:
- Were they invited/welcomed in originally?
- What is their relationship to you?
- How long have they been staying?
- Are they refusing to leave voluntarily or unable to leave?
The invite status of the guest, your relationship to them, the length of their stay, and the circumstances around their refusal to leave all contribute to the terminology that best fits the situation.
Were They Invited In Originally?
If the person was welcomed into your home initially, either as an invited guest or through some other consensual arrangement, that is quite different than if they entered without your permission. An invited guest who then overstays their welcome may simply be called an “overstaying guest.” However, someone who entered your home without your consent is considered a trespasser or intruder.
| Invited In | Not Invited In |
|---|---|
| Overstaying Guest | Trespasser/Intruder |
What is Their Relationship to You?
The relationship between you and the person refusing to leave also affects what you would call them. For example, a friend or family member who won’t leave may just be an “overstaying guest.” However, a complete stranger who entered your home without permission would more likely be considered a trespasser or intruder.
| Relationship | Term Used |
|---|---|
| Friend/Family Member | Overstaying Guest |
| Stranger | Trespasser/Intruder |
How Long Have They Been Staying?
A short overstay from an invited guest, such as staying late after a party, may not warrant as strong of a term as someone who has been living in your home for weeks or months without permission. The length of time they have imposed on your home factors into how severe the description should be.
| Length of Stay | Term Used |
|---|---|
| Short (hours/day) | Overstaying Guest |
| Long (weeks/months) | Trespasser/Squatter |
Are They Unable to Leave?
If a person literally cannot leave your home for some reason outside their control, such as a natural disaster or emergency rendering them trapped there, that would likely lead to a more sympathetic term than someone voluntarily choosing not to depart. Context is important.
| Reason for Staying | Term Used |
|---|---|
| Unable to Leave | Displaced Person |
| Refusing to Leave | Trespasser/Squatter |
So in summary, invited vs. uninvited, relationship, length of stay, and reasons all contribute to the terminology used.
Common Terms Used for Someone Who Won’t Leave Your House
Some of the most common names used in situations where someone is overstaying their welcome or refusing to leave your home include:
Overstaying Guest
This is generally used for a previously invited guest, like a friend or family member, who has exceeded the duration of their visit. It implies they were welcome initially, but have now worn out that welcome and need to go.
Trespasser
A trespasser is someone who has entered or remained on a property without permission from the owner. It implies lawful occupancy was not granted. Often used for strangers or intruders who were not invited in to start with.
Squatter
Squatters occupy a property without having any legal claim, lease, or permission from the property owner. They may initially trespass on the property, but then remain for a prolonged period by refusing to leave. Squatting often implies an intentional long-term, unauthorized stay.
Displaced Person
This sympathetic term may be used when someone absolutely cannot leave a property due to external circumstances like weather, emergency, disability, etc. Being physically or legally prevented from leaving means they are not overstaying by choice.
Legal Options for Removing Someone From Your Home
If you have an unwelcome guest or squatter who is refusing to vacate your residence, you do have legal options to pursue removal depending on the specifics of your situation:
Call the Police
If the person is overtly trespassing, acting violent, or making threats, immediately call the police. Law enforcement can escort trespassers off private property and charge them with breaking and entering if applicable. However, the police may be unable to remove a squatter who claims they are a legal resident without proper eviction notices.
Give Formal Eviction Notice
Even if the person has no rental agreement or rights to be in your home, you likely still need to formally evict them through written notice as you would any tenant. Check your state’s laws, but most require 30 days advance written warning before filing for eviction in court.
File for Eviction
If the person does not leave after proper written warning, you can file for a legal eviction with your local county court and sheriff’s department. This allows law enforcement to legally compel their removal per a judge’s orders if approved. The full eviction can take weeks or months.
Getting help from a landlord-tenant attorney is advisable, as self-help evictions through force or threatening conduct are illegal. Only the sheriff’s department can lawfully remove a stubborn squatter following formal court-ordered eviction.
Preventing Unwanted Guests in the Future
Once you have removed the unwanted visitor or squatter from your home, it is understandable to worry about preventing repeat occurrences. Some tips:
- Be cautious who you give your address and invitations to
- Lock all doors and windows to prevent unauthorized entry
- Post “No Trespassing” signs if issues persist
- Install security cameras/alarm system as deterrent
- Keep written record of any incidents as evidence
- Consult landlord about potential security improvements
While extremely frustrating, understanding the correct terminology for an unwanted house guest based on your specific circumstances can help in communicating with police and potential legal eviction proceedings. With the right approach and precautions, you can ensure your home remains your own peaceful sanctuary.