Someone is staying in the property and won't leave
Remaining after you asked someone to go can look similar to several different situations. The applicable process, if any, may depend on how they arrived, any permission they received, and whether there was a tenancy or other agreement.
The important question
How did the occupancy start — without permission, with your permission, through a tenancy, or through someone else?
Facts that may matter
How they entered; permission; rent or other payments; a lease or oral agreement; length of occupancy; relationship to a tenant or owner; communications; and a timeline including any request to leave.
What not to assume
Refusing to leave does not, by itself, answer whether the person is a tenant, guest, former tenant, or unauthorized occupant. Not being named on a lease does not automatically answer the occupancy question.
What to document
Agreements, payment records, texts or email, photographs, and a timeline — including when you asked them to leave, if you did.
What not to do
Do not physically remove anyone or use self-help measures such as changing locks or shutting off utilities without first understanding the applicable legal process.
Where to go next
Georgia sources (Georgia-specific; other states vary) · All states · Self-help lock-change case · Protect my property
When professional help may be appropriate
If the original permission or agreement is unclear, a licensed attorney familiar with the jurisdiction and facts can evaluate what process may apply. This site does not make that evaluation.
Related: Someone entered my property without my permission · A tenant won't leave · A former tenant or guest is still there · I'm not sure what the situation is