Dear Annie: How can I kick my housemate out?

Dear Annie: About six months ago, a friend convinced me to let her rent my finished basement for a reasonable monthly fee. But her behavior has become a problem. Her rent is always late. She doesn’t respect boundaries; she’s not clean or respectful and can be downright nasty! I have asked her to move out, but she says she can’t find anything she can afford. We have no legal lease. What are my options? — Lost My Peace

Dear Lost my Peace: Your home should be a place where you feel comfortable and safe. Your “friend’s” behavior is bringing about the opposite of peace. You have to be firm, tell her it is time to leave and give her a reasonable deadline, such as two weeks or 30 days at the most. This is your house, and you have every right to have who you want live there or visit you.

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“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].