I have been having serious issues with the family who's spare house my boyfriend and I rent. We used to be very close, and I worked for them for a number of years. However, in recent months I have realized that they are shady, unethical business owners and just all around terrible people, so I decided to cut ties. I quit working for them and got two (awesome) new jobs. I mind my business, we keep our part of the property clean and maintained, and we always pay rent on time. However, the landlord recently came to my new workplace, and basically slandered me to my co-workers. I sent her a message asking her to refrain from doing that, and said to expect the rent in her mailbox the morning of Nov. 1. She waited a full day to reply and then said she expects me, my boyfriend, and all of our pets off the property by the end of this week. Her exact words were "The lease is not executed and is therefore invalid, and that we have been staying on the property as guests." I really don't know what this means. For advice - we have a signed copy of the lease agreement, and I plan on going by the local courthouse for advice in the morning. Is what she is doing legal? Is there any legal precedent that would make my lease void, in such a way that I'm evicted with one week's notice? I have no proof of paying rent, because she was also my employer and held it from my checks, which I never received stubs for, but if we are staying as guests, would I be entitled to the rent I've already paid?

I'm really scared, I don't know what to do, any advice helps.