Changing Locks For Guests

Summary

In South Carolina, without a lease and no rent paid, guests are considered non-tenants. You can change the locks but must allow them to retrieve their belongings. Provide a written notice for them to collect their items. If they dont comply, you can dispose of the items after a reasonable time, typically 30 days.

Full Conversation

My boyfriends son and girlfriend moved in with us. They started playing games, and i called it out. They left and did not take all their stuff. They have been coming by almost every day and just purring their key in. At what point sm i allowed to change the locks and allow them to get their stuff when they call and make arrangements.
What state are you located in, Wendy? The laws regarding tenant rights and property vary by location.
South Carolina
What was the agreement when they moved in? Was there a lease or was it informal? In South Carolina, you generally need to give a notice before changing locks.
No to noth
Did they pay any rent or contribute to household expenses while they were living with you?
No to both
In South Carolina, if there's no lease and they didn't pay rent, they're considered guests. You can change the locks. However, you must allow them to retrieve their belongings.
Yes, but we held on to it. And now the money had been given back to them.
Did you provide them with a written notice to collect their belongings? In South Carolina, it's recommended to give a reasonable notice.
Nn
In South Carolina, you should provide a written notice to collect their belongings. If they don't comply, you can dispose of the items after a reasonable time.
Nothing in writing has been done.
What is the timeframe you have given them to collect their belongings? In South Carolina, a reasonable time is typically considered to be 30 days.
We have not. My boyfriend was going to wait until Saturday and give them a week before we change the locks.
What date did they leave your property? This will help determine if a reasonable time has passed for them to collect their belongings.
Last Saturday
What date are you planning to change the locks?
After next Saturday.
What date exactly are you planning to change the locks?
I don’t know.
When exactly did they move out? This will help determine if a reasonable time has passed for them to collect their belongings.
Last Saturday
What date was last Saturday?
July 29th
What is the current date today?
August 3rd
Based on the information provided:

- In South Carolina, without a lease and no rent paid, they're considered guests.
- You can change the locks but must allow them to retrieve their belongings.
- Provide a written notice for them to collect their belongings.
- If they don't comply, you can dispose of the items after a reasonable time (typically 30 days).