In another troubling example of Washington, D.C.’s housing laws colliding with property rights, a homeowner has been forced to watch a squatter remain inside her home for nearly a year after overstaying an Airbnb reservation — despite the absence of a lease, tenancy agreement, or legal authorization.
Homeowner Rochanne Douglas says she has lost tens of thousands of dollars and endured months of emotional strain while the alleged squatter, Shadija Romero, continues occupying her property without consequence.
Romero originally booked Douglas’s short-term rental for 32 days, with the reservation ending March 29. After remaining in the home for more than 30 days, Romero reportedly took advantage of D.C.’s tenant protections by declaring herself a “resident” and refusing to leave, according to 7News.
“I never gave her any tenancy,” Douglas told reporters. “I never gave her a lease.”
Douglas attempted repeatedly to regain control of her home. She served a 30-day notice to vacate, contacted police numerous times, pursued court action, and even offered Romero $2,500 to acknowledge she was not a tenant and leave the property. Romero signed the agreement, but when the November 15 eviction date arrived, she refused to leave, stating the arrangement “no longer works for me.”
Despite Douglas being barred from entering her own home, DC Metropolitan Police told her they were unable to intervene. Neighbors later reported seeing Romero and others pack their belongings and leave the house. Police cleared the property and told Douglas she could secure it.
BREAKING: Court in Washington DC is currently ALLOWING a squatter to occupy a woman’s property for MONTHS after squatter overstayed an Airbnb rental.
Shadija Romero, the alleged squatter, also reportedly tried to push the homeowner off a ladder, tampered with cameras, and took… pic.twitter.com/deisMw8Kgr
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) December 5, 2025
Douglas then disabled the locks, boarded up the home, and cut electricity due to safety concerns. Shortly afterward, neighbors reported Romero breaking back into the property.
According to Douglas, police then permitted Romero to hire a locksmith and re-enter the home — without requiring a lease, documentation, or court order.
“This is taking me somewhere where I’m not trying to be,” Douglas told 7News. “I’m trying to stay on the right. But for somebody to just take and take and do and do — everybody has a breaking point.”
While Douglas remains locked out and continues paying the mortgage, utilities, and other expenses, Romero allegedly interfered with utilities and security cameras. Meanwhile, Romero’s social media reportedly shows her traveling, vacationing, and promoting her nonprofit organization.
During an emergency court hearing, additional allegations were raised. Douglas claimed Romero attempted to push her off a ladder while she was posting a sign, transferred utilities into her daughter’s name, tampered with security cameras, tried to have Douglas labeled a hostile witness, and accused Douglas of making threats in front of police.
A judge ordered Douglas to restore electricity to the property, even as Romero continues occupying it.
A ruling regarding the housing situation is expected next week.