Washington D.C. Airbnb squatter sues homeowner for $500,000

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The woman who went viral for overstaying at a Washington D.C. Airbnb rental and squatting in the home is now suing the homeowner.

According to WJLA, Shadija Romero has filed a $500,000 lawsuit against homeowner Rochanne Douglas.

Romero claims luxury items disappeared when Douglas removed her from the Northeast D.C. home last December. She also seeks damages tied to the eviction.

Alleged DC Squatter Files Lawsuit: Background on the Dispute

Romero booked the Douglas home on Airbnb in February 2025. She asked to extend her stay and offered to pay outside the platform, which removed Airbnb protections for the homeowner.

According to the outlet, she then stopped paying and remained in the home for months.

A judge later ruled Romero had no tenancy rights and allowed Douglas to remove her and her belongings.

Pattern of Alleged Long‑Term Squatting

WJLA, who exclusively reported on the story, found Romero had a history of entering D.C. properties, paying one month’s rent to establish residency, and staying rent‑free for extended periods.

She often filed motions and applied for vouchers, which attorneys said can delay eviction proceedings.

Claims of Missing Luxury Goods

Romero alleges designer items vanished during the removal process. She listed sunglasses, handbags, Meta glasses, earrings, and multiple Chanel and Louis Vuitton pieces.

She provided receipts for only seven items, and some receipts did not show who purchased them or when, according to WJLA.

Douglas said she never saw the items Romero listed.

Alleged DC Squatter Files Lawsuit: Items Romero Claims Are Missing

• Multiple luxury sunglasses
• Chanel and Louis Vuitton accessories
• Hermes scarves
• Designer handbags
• Two pairs of Meta glasses

Additional Legal Actions

Romero is also suing a local activist known as “Dmvapartmentlady” for $30,000, claiming the activist contributed to the loss of her belongings.

What Comes Next

Douglas plans to seek dismissal of Romero’s remaining claim regarding the missing items.

Both sides are expected back in court as the dispute continues to draw public attention.