The tenant will not leave: recovering a rented home lawfully

Once a lease has ended, the tenant must return the property. If they refuse, the usual legal route is a claim for vacant possession followed by enforcement. Ownership and unpaid rent do not themselves authorise you to remove the tenant’s belongings.

Establish termination

Trace the agreement, the ground for termination and receipt of any necessary notice. Where the term expired, check whether occupation continued under Article 236 of the Obligations and Contracts Act. For non-payment, review the contractual and statutory termination requirements before treating the lease as ended.

What expedited proceedings mean

The Civil Procedure Code provides an expedited procedure for vacating rented premises. This is a procedural route, not a promise of eviction within a set number of days. Joining a claim governed by ordinary procedure can exclude expedited treatment. Rent and compensation claims should therefore be planned alongside recovery of the home.

Actual handover

An enforceable instrument permits action by an enforcement officer. A voluntary handover record should confirm restored access and returned keys. The deposit, damage and bills may remain disputed after departure; record them separately without unintentionally releasing outstanding claims.