stupid jerks - piss me off

There are 3 guys (jerks, if you will) who rented my basement last month. Only one of them has paid for this month, the other 2 have not. My sister who have been dealing with them didn’t get them to put down a deposit before they moved in because she “trusted” them... then these stupid jerks brings another friend to stay, so now there are 4 --> 3 of whom have not paid.

They smoke in the house after my mom continuously tells them not to. They leave lights on all the time. They washed 2 face towels in the washing machine under the “delicate” cycle. They invite friends to stay overnight. They go into our garage and messes things around. They’re loud and irresponsible. But most of all, THEY DON’T PAY THE RENT!

The way we have been operating with people who rent the basement thus far has been too relaxed. We don’t ask them so sign any contracts or anything so we don’t have any legal documents stating that they pay such an amount at such and such a time.

WHAT DO WE DO?! We want to kick them out, but how? Move all their stuff out into the lawn while they’re gone and change the locks? (<-- That’s what I suggested.) We’ve already told them to leave but there seems to be no signs of movement.

Does anyone know if we have a legal case? My mom says the “police” people always back up the renters; not the homeowners. Is that true? I don’t believe so because there are too many iffy situations to make a general claim like that, but she seems confident enough to not threaten to sue them. Can we sue them for trespassing? How do we get the rent money and have them leave?

The longer they stay, the longer their free-loading grows. PLEASE give us some advice!

What jerks. >=o(