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I live in a rooming house and my roommates complain about my coughing. Can my landlord move me out?

Produced by Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School
Reviewed August, 2021

No, your landlord cannot make you leave because you are coughing.

Your landlord cannot evict you just because they think you are sick.

If your landlord wants you to leave, they must file an eviction case against you.  Your landlord cannot move you out without a court order. 

If you have a lease

Your landlord can decide not to renew your lease.  But if your landlord thinks you have COVID-19, it may be discrimination if they do not renew your lease. 

If you do not have a lease

If you do not have a lease and you have lived in the rooming house for:

  • Less than 30 days, your landlord can usually terminate the tenancy without notice. 
  • 1-3 months, your landlord must give you at least one week’s notice before they end your tenancy
  • At least 90 days, your landlord must give you 30 days’ notice before terminating your tenancy. 

Learn more about evictions and Rooming Houses.

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