When Helping Turns into a Nightmare: The Risks of Letting Someone Stay in Your Home

A Portsmouth woman found herself in a legal and emotional mess after allowing her brother to stay in her home—only to discover he had illegal drugs in his system and had turned the property into a boarding house for strangers. At 3:30 p.m., the woman called Portsmouth Police for help, hoping officers could clear out anyone staying at the home and check for drugs or paraphernalia. However, when police arrived, they found multiple people living in the house, claiming they had rented rooms from her brother. Some even had guests of their own. Unfortunately for the homeowner, officers explained that removing these individuals wasn’t as simple as asking them to leave. Because they had established residency, she would need to go through the court eviction process to legally remove them. Police also advised her to report any suspected drug activity to the drug task force hotline. The Hidden Dangers of Letting Someone Stay in Your Home It may seem harmless to let a family member or friend crash at your place, but once someone establishes residency, removing them isn’t easy. Many homeowners have unknowingly turned a temporary favor into a long-term legal battle. Here’s why you should think twice before offering up your space: 🔹 Residency Laws Protect Tenants – Even Unwanted Ones: If someone has lived in your home for a period of time, they could be considered a tenant, even without a formal lease. That means you can’t simply kick them out—you have to legally evict them through the courts. 🔹 You Could Be Held Responsible for Their Actions: If the person you allow in your home engages in illegal activity—like drug use or dealing—you could face consequences as the property owner. 🔹 They May Invite Others to Stay: Just because you agreed to let one person stay doesn’t mean they won’t bring in others—sometimes without your knowledge or permission. 🔹 Getting Rid of Them Can Be Costly & Time-Consuming: Evictions can take months and cost hundreds to thousands of dollars in legal fees and court costs. How to Protect Yourself If you’re considering letting someone stay with you, set clear rules and boundaries upfront: ✅ Put it in writing – Even if it’s a family member, have them sign an agreement stating the terms of their stay, including a firm move-out date. ✅ Avoid taking rent money – In many states, accepting rent (even informally) can legally establish the person as a tenant. ✅ Don’t give them a key – Retaining control over who comes and goes can prevent unwanted guests from moving in. ✅ Be cautious of red flags – If the person has a history of drug use, legal trouble, or instability, think carefully before offering your home. While it’s natural to want to help loved ones, make sure you aren’t putting yourself at risk—or signing up for an eviction battle you never expected.

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