Guest Turns into Tenant - How to Protect Myself

[Steven Koby]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to this forum and I think I have made a BIG mistake. A friend asked to stay with me because she was moving across the country and needed a place to stay temporarily. I explained to her I didn't think it was a good idea and I did not want anyone living with me. She assured me she had friends in the area and she just needed to get out here.

Well, it's been less than two weeks and I'm worried she'll be here too long and she'll end up being a "tenant". I spoke with the local police and they said it could get messy if she's here too long and the eviction process could take 6 months to a year. 

I'm in Massachusetts. I'm wondering if I need to act fast and when am I on the hook for her being a resident here. Thank you for any suggestions/help.