How to Stop Airbnb Squatters Before They Take Over Your Property

Can Airbnb Guests Become Squatters? What Every Host Needs to Know

Hosting a short-term rental can be highly profitable, but it also comes with risks many hosts don’t anticipate. One of the most serious (and stressful) is dealing with squatters.

Airbnb squatters are guests who refuse to leave after their reservation ends, sometimes attempting to claim tenant or squatter rights under local laws. Unlike parties or minor damages, squatters can quickly turn into a legal and financial nightmare if not handled correctly.

This guide explains what Airbnb squatters rights are, how to prevent squatters before they book, and exactly what to do if someone refuses to leave your property.

What Are Short-Term Rental Squatters?

A squatter is someone who:

• Occupies a property without legal ownership

• Intentionally overstays their reservation

• Attempts to assert tenant or squatter rights

• Remains on a property without the owner’s consent

In short-term rentals, squatters typically book legitimately, then refuse to check out—hoping to trigger tenant protections that apply after a certain number of days.

In some cases, squatters have:

• Changed locks

• Stopped paying utilities

• Claimed residency

• Forced hosts into lengthy eviction processes

This makes squatting far more complex than dealing with noise complaints or property damage.

How Squatters Target Short-Term Rentals

Squatters often look for:

• Listings that allow 30+ day stays

• Lax screening or instant booking

• Hosts who are hands-off or remote

• Properties vacant for long periods

• Lenient cancellation or refund policies

Once booked, they may attempt to establish residency before the host realizes what’s happening.

How to Spot Potential Squatters Before They Book

Incomplete or Suspicious Guest Profiles

Red flags include:

• Missing or fake profile photos

• Recently created accounts

• Sparse or incomplete bios

• Poor or vague past reviews

Profiles created shortly before booking may indicate an attempt to avoid traceability.

Poor or Evasive Communication

Guests who:

• Avoid answering basic questions

• Refuse to provide identification

• Push back on signing agreements

• Respond inconsistently or vaguely

…may be hiding their intent. Trust your instincts, hesitation upfront can save months of stress later.

Be Cautious with 30+ Day Reservations

In many jurisdictions, guests staying 30 days or more are legally considered tenants.

That means:

• Landlord-tenant laws apply

• You may need a formal eviction

• Police often cannot remove them

Long stays can be profitable, but only when you are confident in the guest.

How to Prevent Squatters Before They Arrive

Require Government-Issued ID

Always require verified identification. While Airbnb does screen guests, adding your own layer of verification strengthens your protection especially for direct bookings.

Verified IDs deter bad actors and give you documentation if legal action is needed.

Review Guest History Carefully

Strong, consistent reviews from other hosts are a green flag. Any mention of:

• Rule-breaking

• Overstaying

• Poor communication

…should be taken seriously.

Collect a Security Deposit

A refundable security deposit:

• Discourages bad behavior

• Signals professional hosting standards

• Provides financial leverage if issues arise

Squatters often target listings with the lowest barriers to entry, deposits alone can deter them.

Require a Signed Vacation Rental Agreement

A signed rental agreement should clearly state:

• Check-in and check-out dates

• Maximum stay length

• House rules

• Consequences of overstaying

This document is critical if eviction becomes necessary.

Use Short-Term Rental Insurance with Squatter Coverage

Some short-term rental insurance policies offer loss-of-income protection if squatters occupy your property. Look for policies that explicitly mention:

• Squatter protection

• Legal expense coverage

• Business interruption insurance

What to Do If You Already Have Squatters

Learn Local Squatters’ and Tenant Laws Immediately

Squatter rights vary widely by location. In some areas, rights begin after 7 days, others after 30 days or more.

Once tenant rights are triggered:

• Police often cannot intervene

• Eviction must go through court

• Mistakes can reset the eviction timeline

Consult a local attorney or housing authority immediately.

Attempt Peaceful Resolution First

If possible, try to:

• Communicate calmly

• Negotiate a move-out date

• Offer a short relocation incentive if advised by counsel

Document everything.

Contact Your Insurance Provider Immediately

If you carry short-term rental insurance:

• File a claim right away

• Ask about loss-of-income coverage

• Request legal guidance if included

Delays can weaken your claim.

Document Everything for Legal Protection

Keep records of:

• All messages and emails

• Photos and videos

• Reservation details

• Signed agreements

• Any threats or hostile behavior

This documentation is critical in court.

How Automation Helps Reduce Squatter Risk

Using a professional property management system like Guesty helps hosts:

• Enforce check-out times automatically

• Control access with smart lock integrations

• Sync calendars to avoid booking loopholes

• Maintain clear communication records

Automation doesn’t replace legal safeguards, but it dramatically reduces risk by enforcing structure and consistency.

Final Thoughts on Airbnb Squatters Rights

Squatters are one of the most serious risks short-term rental hosts face, but they are largely preventable.

Protect yourself by:

• Screening guests thoroughly

• Requiring IDs and signed agreements

• Limiting long-term stays unless vetted

• Collecting deposits

• Carrying proper insurance

• Understanding local laws before problems arise

Prevention is always easier, and cheaper than eviction.

👉 Need help with your Short-Term Rental?

 Join our Airbnb Super Host Academy on Skool or book a call with the BNB Guardians team for hands-on coaching.