We put a lock on the breaker box, can I legally turn off my roomates power for nonpayment?

Question

He moved in & paid 3.5 months up front.He told us he had 1 handgun before he moved in & that he kept it in a safe.We thought that was ok but he actually has 2 & a shot gun that is loaded sitting in his closet not the safe.Hes also never helps with cleaning or other chores.Hes gone through 4 jobs since he moved in & is currently unemployed.He just smokes pot & watches 2 TV's at once in his room.He also has his gf at our house showering & doing her laundry.Our water & power bills have been outrageous cuz of him & her. After the period he paid for was up he was late then stopped paying alltogether.We gave him a 30 day written notice explaining his verbal month to month lease was up at the end of that period & he had to move.He said ok went in his room & pumped his shot gun. Since then he hasnt spoken to us or paid a dime.The time is up & he wont go. I filed a report cuz were scared.Our landlord gave him 15 more days before filing for eviction, but we dont want to lose more money on power.

Answer 1

You can not turn off the power. You can have him evicted and sue him for non payment.

If you ever do this again, do not take rent payments in advance. It gives you greater leverage in moving them out if things get bad.

Answer 2

This is absolutely illegal and the sherrif will come to his defense, these are "slum lord" tactics that are not tolerated.

Expect him for another month since you apparently have not filed an eviction yet.

Answer 3

The only other alternative you have is to take him to small claims court to get reimbursed for what you are out.  If you are afraid of him and want him out, call the cops.

Answer 4

Sorry, but legally you can't turn off power. Proceed through the courts for eviction.

Answer 5

NO! You are not the power company and only they have the right to suspend service.

Answer 6

Consult an attorney and follow his advice.  You have made a big mistake leaseing to this person.  

You can offer him money to move out.

Don't pay him until he moves out.

Otherwise he'll get another 3 1/2 months free rent and you'll be the victim.

Do not cut his power off.  

Give him a 3 day notice to pay or quit.

You'll be lucky to get out of this one.