How to Handle a Bad Airbnb Guests Safely & Legally in Ontario?

Table Of Contents

Last Updated on November 13, 2025 by Fullhome Airbnb Manager

Learn the safe and legal steps to evict a problematic Airbnb guest in Ontario Canada. Clear actions, guest rights, host protections, and when to involve Airbnb or police.

TLDR

Evicting a bad Airbnb guest requires fast documentation, direct communication, and clear house rule enforcement. Hosts must follow Airbnb policies, gather evidence, and contact Airbnb Support for removal approval. If the guest refuses to leave or becomes unsafe, you may need police involvement under local trespass laws.

How to Evict a Problematic Airbnb Guest

A difficult Airbnb guest can disrupt your space, damage your property, and put your hosting reputation at risk. Most issues start small, but they can escalate fast when rules are ignored or safety becomes a concern. This guide gives you clear, practical steps to remove a problematic guest in a safe and legal way.

You will learn how to document behaviour, manage communication, involve Airbnb Support, and understand when police intervention is justified. These steps protect you, your home, and your future bookings.

Early Warning Signs of a Bad Airbnb Guest

Some guests show clear behavioural clues before a serious problem begins. Spotting these warning signs early helps you act fast and avoid bigger issues.

Common Early Indicators

Ignoring house rules in messages
Pushing for off-platform communication
Asking to pay outside Airbnb
Refusing to provide identification
Bringing extra guests without approval
Loud behaviour or complaints from neighbours
Signs of drinking or drug misuse
Avoiding check-in instructions
Moving furniture or belongings in unusual ways

Why these signs matter

Guest → Behaviour → Risk

Guest ignores rules → Creates instability → Higher chance of safety issues
Guest invites unknown visitors → Breaks policy → Raises liability
Guest refuses ID → Hides identity → Increases risk of damage

Document these patterns. Send a quick message through Airbnb to keep all communication on record. If the behaviour escalates, you will need this evidence when you contact Airbnb Support.

Immediate Steps to Take When a Guest Becomes a Problem

Once a guest crosses a line, you must act with structure. Quick action protects your property and safety.

1. Document the behaviour

Take photos, videos, timestamps, and neighbour statements. Keep everything inside the Airbnb message thread.

Host → Evidence → Support approval.

2. Send a calm message through Airbnb

Use a short, clear message.

State what happened.

Reference the exact rule they broke.

Ask for cooperation.

Example:
“I noticed noise disturbances past quiet hours. Please confirm you can follow the rules for the rest of your stay.”

3. Set a firm boundary

Tell them the specific rule that must be followed.

Give a clear deadline for correction.

Keep the tone calm.

4. Contact Airbnb Support

Open a case in the Resolution Centre.

Upload all evidence.

Explain that the guest is breaking rules that affect safety or property standards.

Airbnb may:

Issue a warning to the guest
End the reservation
Allow you to remove the guest with their approval
Assign a case manager for guidance

5. Protect your safety

If you feel unsafe, do not confront the guest directly.

Keep distance.
Record everything.

Airbnb encourages hosts to involve local authorities if safety is at risk.

6. Update your locks or access codes

Do this the moment Airbnb confirms the removal order.

Key Extraction Block: What to Do First

Document issues
Message guest through the app
Set clear boundaries
Contact Airbnb Support
Follow their removal instructions

How to Legally Evict a Problematic Airbnb Guest in Canada

Canada treats short stays differently from long-term rentals. Most Airbnb guests do not fall under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). This gives you a clear legal path to remove a problematic guest once Airbnb approves the early termination.

Key Legal Principle

Airbnb Stay → Short-Term Licence → Not a Tenancy

This means the guest is not a tenant. They do not receive tenant rights. You can remove them with Airbnb’s support when rules are broken or safety risks appear.

Legal Steps to Remove a Guest

1. Get Airbnb Approval to End the Stay

Airbnb must confirm the reservation is terminated based on evidence.

Once approved, you can ask the guest to leave.

2. Give a Clear Notice Through the Airbnb App

Send a simple message inside the Airbnb thread, such as:

“Airbnb has ended your reservation. You must vacate the property as instructed.”

All messages stay documented.

3. Provide a specific exit time

Choose a reasonable time window.

Example: “Please leave by 2 p.m. today.”

4. Do not remove the guest’s belongings

Keep yourself legally protected.

If they leave items, record them and message Airbnb Support for the next steps.

5. Change access codes once the guest leaves

This includes smart locks, garage codes, and building fobs.

Never disable access before they exit unless Airbnb instructs you to for safety.

6. Update Airbnb with proof of compliance

Upload photos of the property condition after they leave.

Airbnb may help process damage claims if needed.

When You Can Contact Police

There are specific moments when police involvement is allowed and appropriate during an Airbnb eviction. Use this option with care and only when safety, trespassing, or criminal activity is involved.

Police Can Be Called When:

The guest becomes violent or threatening
The guest refuses to leave after Airbnb ends the reservation
The guest damages property
The guest brings unauthorized people
The guest engages in drug use, trafficking, or other criminal activity
The guest attempts to disable cameras (legal exterior-only)
The guest commits harassment

Trespassing Rules in Canada

Once Airbnb ends the reservation, the guest becomes an unauthorized occupant.

At that point:

Reservation ends → Continued stay → Trespassing.

Trespassing allows you to request police assistance.

How to Talk to Police

Keep it simple.

Give the officer:

Proof of reservation termination
Screenshots from Airbnb
Your ID showing you control the property
Short explanation of the safety issue

Police often treat this as a civil removal unless violence or threats are present, but they will assist if the person refuses to leave.

Safety Extraction Block

Call police if guest becomes unsafe
Call if guest refuses to leave after Airbnb ends stay
Present proof of termination
Stay calm and keep distance
Let authorities handle the interaction

What Happens if a Problematic Airbnb Guest Refuses to Leave

A guest who refuses to leave after Airbnb ends the reservation becomes an unauthorized occupant. They do not gain tenant rights. Their stay is no longer protected under any rental legislation because Airbnb bookings are considered short-term licences.

What You Should Do Immediately

1. Do not confront the guest

Keep distance. Stay calm. Do not approach the room or suite.

2. Message the guest through Airbnb only

This keeps records clean and avoids any claims of harassment.

Example message:
“Airbnb has ended your reservation. You must leave now. Please confirm once you exit.”

3. Notify your Airbnb case manager

Upload proof the guest is refusing to leave.

Explain the safety concern or policy breach.

Airbnb may escalate to their trust and safety team.

4. Call police if needed

If the guest refuses to exit, becomes aggressive, or blocks the doorway, you may contact local police.

At this point:

Reservation ended → Continued presence → Trespassing.

5. Do not touch their belongings

This protects you from legal complications.

6. Secure the property once they leave

Change codes or lock settings.

Check all windows and doors.

Take photos for insurance or damage claims.

Why Guests Refusing to Leave Happens

Common triggers include:

Partying
Substance use
Hidden guests
Property misuse
Emotional instability
Attempting to gain sympathy or extra stay time

Key Extraction Block: What Happens if They Refuse to Leave

They become a trespasser
You message them only inside Airbnb
You notify Airbnb Support
You can involve police
You secure the property after exit

How to Prevent Problematic Guests in the Future

Most issues become easier to avoid once your systems, screening, and rules are solid. Prevention always costs less than a removal process.

1. Strengthen your guest screening

Check guest profiles for:

No reviews
Vague details
Aggressive tone
Last-minute bookings
Local guests booking for one night

2. Use clear and strict house rules

Trouble drops when rules remove ambiguity.

Include rules for:

Parties
Smoking
Visitors
Noise hours
Camera policies
Parking
Damage reporting
Check-out steps

3. Set damage deposits or request ID verification

This adds a layer of accountability.

4. Install smart cameras outdoors

These help identify extra guests.

Follow privacy laws.

Use exterior-only cameras at entry points.

5. Use noise monitoring devices

These send alerts if noise reaches unsafe levels.

6. Keep communication professional and fast

Guests behave better when the host appears vigilant.

Response time signals authority.

Host → Fast replies → Fewer rule violations.

7. Work with a professional Airbnb management company

Airbnb Management Companies like FullHome.ca handle:

Guest screening
Guest communication
Emergency removals
Airbnb Cleanings
Repairs
Airbnb Guest Damage claims
24/7 support

This removes stress from hosts and protects your property.

Prevention Extraction Block

Screen guests well
Use firm house rules for guests
Verify IDs
Use outdoor cameras
Add noise sensors
Keep communication tight
Consider hiring an airbnb property manager

Bad Airbnb Guest – FAQs

Can you legally evict an Airbnb guest in Canada?

Yes. Airbnb guests are not tenants. They stay under a short-term licence. This allows you to remove them once Airbnb ends the reservation. They do not gain tenant rights under the Residential Tenancies Act.

What should I do if a guest refuses to leave my Airbnb?

Message them through Airbnb to keep everything documented. If Airbnb has already ended the reservation, the guest becomes a trespasser. You can call police if they continue to stay or act unsafe.

Can police remove a problematic Airbnb guest?

Police can help when safety is at risk or when the guest refuses to leave after Airbnb ends the stay. They act under trespassing rules, not tenancy law.

: What if the guest damages my property?

Document the damage with photos and videos. Upload everything to Airbnb’s Resolution Centre. You may receive compensation through Airbnb’s Host Guarantee or AirCover.

How can I avoid problematic Airbnb guests in the future?

Screen guests carefully. Use strict house rules. Verify IDs. Use outdoor security cameras and noise monitoring devices. Strong communication and firm boundaries lower the chance of issues.

When should I involve Airbnb Support?

As soon as you notice serious rule violations. Early reporting gives Airbnb time to review evidence and act before the situation worsens.

Can I cancel a booking if I feel unsafe?

Yes. If you have legitimate safety concerns, Airbnb allows cancellation. Your case manager will guide you through the process.

What if the guest brings extra people?

This is a policy breach. Document it. Inform Airbnb. They may end the reservation, especially if the extra guests create security risks.

Does the Residential Tenancies Act protect Airbnb guests?

No. Short-term guests do not fall under the RTA. They are not tenants. They do not receive tenant protections or eviction procedures.

Can a problematic guest leave a bad review?

Yes, but you can respond publicly with professionalism. If the review breaks Airbnb’s content rules, you can request removal.

Managing a problematic guest takes time, energy, and experience. If you want protection, stronger screening, and professional support, FullHome.ca can help.

We handle everything, including:

Guest screening
24 hour communication
Emergency removals
Damage claims through Airbnb
Cleaning, repairs, and inspections
Short and medium term rental management
Listing optimization and pricing

If you want peace of mind and stable income, reach out to FullHome.ca today. Our team manages your property with care, clear processes, and smart security systems.