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How to Legally Evict a Long-Term Occupant or Family Member Living in Your Home in Jamaica?

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Jamaica Now
Jan 08, 2022
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A Jamaican tenant, dressed in worn but vibrant clothing, sits in a dimly lit, cluttered tenement office, surrounded by stacks of dusty files and faded family photos, seeking solace and guidance from a wise, aged lawyer, amidst the looming threat of eviction, cinematic film still, reminiscent of the works of Roger Deakins,

To evict a family member or anyone living in your home who is not listed as a legal owner or tenant, it’s important to handle the process delicately and within the bounds of the law. Below is a general guide that incorporates principles relevant to Jamaica under the Rent Restriction Act and could also apply to other jurisdictions with similar laws.

Sometimes, you might need to ask a family member or someone who’s been living in your house to move out. It can feel tough and emotional, but if you own the house, you have the right to make that decision. Here’s how you can handle it in a simple and clear way that’s fair for everyone, while also following the law.

1. Make Sure You’re the Legal Owner

If your name is on the title of the house, that means you legally own it. If the family member isn’t on the title or didn’t sign a rental agreement, they’re staying there because you allowed them to. However, just because you own the house doesn’t mean you can kick them out right away—you need to …

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