Protecting Your Airbnb From Squatters

As an Airbnb host or vacation rental manager, protecting your property from unwanted guests, especially squatters, is a crucial concern. The last thing you want is for someone to overstay their welcome and invoke squatters' rights, turning a short-term stay into a long-term legal battle. Understanding how to spot potential squatters, the legal implications, preventive strategies and the rights of squatters will help you safeguard your rental and keep your business running smoothly.

This article will explore tips and strategies to help Airbnb hosts protect their properties, focusing on both preventive measures and legal support.

What Are Airbnb Squatters?

Airbnb squatters are guests who refuse to leave a property after their booking has ended. Unlike traditional squatters, who occupy a property without any prior permission, Airbnb squatters initially enter the property legally by booking a stay. However, they become problematic when they overstay and attempt to establish tenant rights, making it difficult for the host to remove them.

Airbnb squatters often take advantage of unclear communication or lax booking policies, making it essential for hosts to implement preventative strategies, such as clear rental agreements and regular guest screening, to avoid dealing with these situations.

Understanding the distinction between a legitimate guest and a squatter is key to maintaining control over your rental property.

Warning Signs: How to Spot Potential Squatters

Recognizing the early signs of squatters can help you take action before it’s too late. Being aware of certain red flags can save you from dealing with long-term issues. Here are some common red flags to watch out for:

Requests for extended stays

A guest who continuously asks to extend their booking, especially beyond a 30-day period, may be signaling an intention to overstay. In many areas, this could mean the guest is trying to exploit local tenant laws that make eviction more difficult.

Suspicious booking behavior

Be wary of guests who make last-minute bookings, frequently cancel and rebook or seem vague about the purpose of their stay. These behaviors could indicate that the guest is trying to avoid scrutiny.

Reluctance to provide ID

Squatters often avoid providing verifiable information, which can make it more difficult to track them down if they refuse to leave.

Incomplete or suspicious profiles

A lack of detail, no previous reviews, or missing contact information can indicate that the guest may have ulterior motives. Squatters often create profiles with limited information or use blurry, unidentifiable profile pictures.

Poor Communication

Guests who avoid answering questions directly or provide vague, evasive responses about their stay can signal trouble ahead. 

Frequent reservation changes 

Guests who constantly adjust their booking details — like extending their stay by a day or two repeatedly — could be attempting to blur the lines of their official reservation. This can complicate the rental process and potentially lead to them overstaying.

Rule violations

Squatters often disregard house rules, such as noise restrictions or guest limits, showing a lack of respect for the property and your rental agreement. 

Overly friendly or evasive behavior 

Some squatters may try to charm the host into letting down their guard, while others may avoid personal interactions altogether. Either extreme — whether it's being too friendly or too evasive — can be a tactic used to manipulate the situation.

Unusual Requests 

Guests who make requests that deviate from the standard booking process — such as bypassing ID checks, asking for private payment methods or requesting off-platform communication — may have ill intentions.

Preventive Strategies: How to Protect Your Airbnb from Squatters

The best way to protect your property from squatters is to prevent them from entering in the first place. By implementing a few proven strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of dealing with unauthorized guests. Here are key methods to safeguard your Airbnb:

Screen guests thoroughly

Ask guests to provide detailed profiles and carefully review feedback from previous hosts. Additionally, looking for guests with positive reviews can offer peace of mind, indicating that they have a history of adhering to rental agreements.

Request government-issued IDs

Make it mandatory for guests to provide a valid, government-issued ID. This helps verify their identity and establish a clear record of who is staying at your property. 

Sign a rental agreement

For long-term stays, draft a comprehensive rental agreement outlining the rules, stay duration and consequences for overstaying. Even for short-term rentals, having a clear, written agreement can be valuable should any disputes arise.

Request a security deposit

Requesting a security deposit can serve as an additional layer of protection. It stops guests with ill intentions and provides a financial cushion if any damage or issues occur. 

Regular check-ins

Maintain consistent communication with your guests throughout their stay. Keeping an open line of communication shows guests that you are actively involved in managing the property.

Limit length of stay

In many jurisdictions, staying beyond 30 days may grant the guest tenant rights, complicating the eviction process. By limiting stays to less than 30 days, you minimize the risk of a guest gaining legal protections that could prevent their removal.

Leveraging Technology to Prevent Squatters

Technology can play a vital role in helping property managers run a more secure and efficient operation, significantly reducing the risk of squatters. Here are some key technological tools that can further reduce risks:

Automation Tools 

Use platforms like Hostaway that automate reservation management and guest communication. By streamlining these processes, you can reduce the likelihood of human error and maintain tighter control over who stays at your property.

AI-Based Guest Filtering:

Tools such as Autohost and Superhog use AI-driven technology to screen guests more thoroughly. These systems analyze guest profiles, booking patterns, and historical behavior to flag potential risks before guests even arrive. Autohost, for example, uses machine learning to automatically assess guest risks based on data like booking behavior and ID verification, while Superhog provides additional identity verification and insurance protection, ensuring you're hosting legitimate, trustworthy guests.

What to Do If You Encounter a Squatter

Even with thorough preventive measures in place, the unfortunate reality is that you may still encounter a squatter. If this happens, it’s important to stay calm and act quickly but legally. Here’s how to handle the situation:

Document everything

Keep a detailed record of all communication. Save copies of their booking details, rental agreements and any proof that outlines the agreed-upon terms of their stay. This documentation will be essential if the situation escalates, as it helps establish a clear paper trail.

Contact Airbnb immediately

Airbnb offers support in such cases, and it’s critical to reach out to them as soon as you suspect there’s an issue. If the squatter is still within the booking system, Airbnb might be able to mediate and help resolve the dispute quickly. 

Avoid self eviction

It may be tempting to take matters into your own hands — changing the locks, shutting off utilities, etc. But be warned, these actions are often illegal and could land you in trouble. In many states, even if someone is squatting, they may still have certain tenant protections.

Instead, it’s crucial to follow the legal eviction process in your area. This might mean filing an official eviction notice and waiting out the process, frustrating as it may be.

Get legal help

Depending on where you live and the complexity of the squatter’s rights in your region, it’s often a good idea to consult with a lawyer. Legal experts who specialize in tenant-landlord law can guide you through the process and ensure you handle everything by the book. 

Understanding Airbnb Squatter’s Rights and Legal Considerations

In the U.S., squatters' rights can vary from state to state but generally come into play when a person stays on a property without the owner’s permission. Over time, and under specific conditions, squatters can acquire legal protections similar to tenants. These rights may be especially concerning for Airbnb hosts if a guest extends their stay beyond the agreed period and refuses to leave.

One key consideration is the difference between short-term guests and long-term tenants. Airbnb guests who stay beyond 30 days in certain jurisdictions may gain tenant rights, making it difficult to evict them without going through a formal legal process. This transformation from guest to tenant can happen more quickly than most hosts realize, so it’s essential to set clear guidelines from the start.

It's vital to familiarize yourself with your state’s squatter and tenant laws to understand your legal rights. If a guest refuses to leave, contacting Airbnb immediately is crucial. They may be able to assist in resolving the dispute. However, if the guest has already gained tenant status, you may need legal support to evict them properly and avoid further complications.

Protecting Your Airbnb: Stay Proactive and Prepared

Squatters pose a significant risk to Airbnb hosts, but with the right preventive measures, technology and legal knowledge, you can protect your property and your livelihood. Stay vigilant, use available tools like those in Hostaway's marketplace, and always be prepared to handle squatting situations legally and effectively.

FAQs

What are Airbnb squatters, and how do they differ from traditional squatters?

Airbnb squatters are guests who initially enter a property legally by booking a stay but refuse to leave once their booking has ended. Unlike traditional squatters who occupy a property without permission, Airbnb squatters exploit legal loopholes, often staying beyond the reservation period and invoking squatters’ rights, making it difficult for hosts to remove them.

What are Airbnb squatters' rights, and how do they affect hosts?

Airbnb squatters' rights vary by location, but generally, in many U.S. states, guests who overstay 30 days can gain legal protections similar to tenants. These rights make it difficult to evict them without following formal eviction procedures. It’s crucial for Airbnb hosts to understand local laws, as overstaying guests could claim tenant rights, potentially leading to long legal battles.

What legal rights do Airbnb hosts have when dealing with squatters?

Airbnb hosts have the right to evict squatters, but the process must be done legally according to local tenant laws. In many cases, once a guest has stayed for 30 days or more, they may gain tenant rights, and you’ll need to follow formal eviction procedures. It’s essential to consult with a lawyer experienced in landlord-tenant disputes to ensure your actions comply with local laws.

How can I legally evict a squatter from my Airbnb property?

To legally evict a squatter, you must follow your state's specific eviction process, which typically starts with an official eviction notice. Avoid attempting self-eviction tactics, like changing locks or cutting off utilities, as these can result in penalties. Consulting a legal professional will help you navigate the proper procedures and minimize complications.

How can technology help protect my Airbnb from squatters?

Using technology can significantly reduce the risk of squatters. Automation tools like Hostaway streamline guest communication and reservation management, helping prevent unauthorized bookings. Additionally, AI-based guest filtering tools like Autohost and Superhog analyze guest behavior and profiles to flag potential risks, ensuring you host legitimate, trustworthy guests.