Short-Term Renter Who Reportedly Refused to Leave D.C. Property Leads to Nightmare Eviction Battle for Landlord

Short-Term Tenant Refuses to Leave D.C. Property, Sparking Lengthy Eviction Battle for Landlord

A Washington D.C. landlord found herself entangled in a 10-month nightmare eviction battle with a short-term renter who reportedly refused to vacate the property. What began as a 32-day Airbnb stay soon spiralled into alleged late payments, contract disputes, and a heated legal struggle that culminated in a court-ordered repossession of the home.

According to reports from the Washington Post and D.C.’s ABC 7News, the contentious saga began when Shadija Romero initially booked a stay at Rochanne Douglas’ D.C. rowhouse through Airbnb in late February 2025. Romero, claiming she was displaced due to a fire at her previous residence, paid for the 32-day stay but later requested to extend her occupancy beyond the agreed period.

Things took a turn when Romero allegedly started defaulting on payments and refused to leave even after the initial reservation ended. Douglas asserted that Romero established residency without her consent and blocked her access to the property, leading to a protracted legal battle over tenancy rights.

Despite attempts to evict Romero through written notices, she persisted in occupying the premises, prompting Douglas to seek legal recourse. In a bid to expedite Romero’s departure, Douglas offered a settlement agreement that would waive outstanding charges and facilitate her relocation, yet Romero reportedly reneged on the deal.

The deadlock finally came to an end on December 11th when a judge ruled in Douglas’ favour, granting her repossession of the property and compelling Romero to vacate. With the assistance of her legal representatives, Douglas managed to regain control of her home, underscoring the challenges landlords face under existing tenant laws in the district.

While Romero did not respond to requests for comment, Douglas and her legal team highlighted the need for legislative reforms to address the loopholes that allow tenants to exploit the system, leaving property owners financially strained and embroiled in lengthy legal battles.

The case serves as a cautionary tale for landlords and short-term rental hosts, emphasizing the importance of clear agreements, timely payments, and adherence to tenancy regulations. It also sheds light on the complexities of short-term rentals and the potential risks involved in accommodating guests without proper safeguards in place.

As the dust settles on this protracted eviction battle, it underscores the need for a fair and balanced legal framework that protects the rights of both landlords and tenants, ensuring that such disputes are resolved swiftly and equitably to prevent similar situations in the future.

In conclusion, the ordeal faced by the D.C. landlord sheds light on the challenges of managing short-term rentals and navigating tenancy disputes, underscoring the importance of clear communication, legal compliance, and proactive measures to safeguard property rights. The resolution of this case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in rental agreements and the need for a robust legal framework to address disputes effectively.