Airbnb squatters taunt single mom with ‘no trespassing’ sign as she loses months of income because she can’t kick them out
a North Carolina single mother told her so Airbnb was taken over by squatters, who had placed a ‘no entry’ sign and demanded an eviction notice.
Farzana Rahman, an apartment owner in Durham, claims she has lost months of income and is struggling to send her son to university after guests refuse to leave.
The unknown squatters checked in on October 25, 2023 and had to leave on May 24.
But when Rahman’s cleaners reached the property after the agreement expired, they discovered the “tenants” had never left.
The house can be rented for a minimum of 28 days for the price of $2,684.
Farzana Rahman, an apartment owner in Durham, has lost months of income and is struggling to send her son to college after guests refused to leave the apartment
The squatters have placed a ‘no entry’ sign and demanded an eviction notice
‘They opened the door and said, ‘No, we haven’t moved yet.’
She [cleaner] said, “Should I come tomorrow?” And they said, “No, don’t come back.”
‘Now they refuse to leave until there is an eviction notice. I think they are just trying to buy time to stay there for free since they haven’t paid.
“This is my place, and I mean, I rely on this income; my son is studying. I am a single parent,” the distressed owner said ABC.
Rahman also contacted Airbnb for support, but to no avail. She claims the company only sent her messages to get help for her safety and to get legal help in evicting the squatters
According to the Airbnb website, “guests who stay in a house or apartment for a month or more – the exact number of days depends on the state – can acquire rights as renters” and are therefore protected by local rental laws.
When Rahman came to the property with officers, the squatters assured them that they would leave the next day.
But the next morning they were still occupying the apartment and had put up a ‘no trespassing’ sign instead.
The sign read: “We will vacate the property as soon as you file the proper paperwork in civil court for an eviction because we are legal residents of this home.”
Rahman also contacted Airbnb for support, but to no avail. She claims the company only sent her messages to get help for her safety and legal help in evicting the squatters.
According to Airbnb website“Guests who stay in a house or apartment for a month or more – the exact number of days depends on the state – may acquire rights as tenants” and are therefore protected by local rental laws.
It also advises landlords to initiate summary proceedings to evict illegal guests.
“In virtually all jurisdictions, laws exist that allow landlords to use summary judgment to evict tenants. Summary proceedings are a legal procedure that ensures that a landlord regains possession of the rented property in an accelerated manner.
“You should contact a landlord attorney or local court to learn more about the eviction laws where you live as they may affect your ability to evict a guest who exceeds a monthly stay,” it reads the page.
