How to Handle Overstayed Airbnb Guests? Host’s Guide

Table Of Contents

Last Updated on November 13, 2025 by Fullhome Airbnb Manager

Airbnb Guest Overstayed Their Booking?

Here Is What To Do and How to Deal With Overstayed Guests in Your Airbnb in Canada

Dealing With Airbnb Guest Overstay

If an Airbnb guest overstays, stay calm and treat it as a process. Start with a polite reminder, then set a firm checkout deadline and record everything inside the Airbnb app. If the guest still refuses to leave after the reservation ends, contact Airbnb Support / X and, if needed, local police under trespass rules.

Lets start,

An overstayed guest can throw off your entire hosting schedule. Cleaners get delayed. Next guests wait in the driveway. Your stress shoots up while the clock keeps ticking.

The good news is that overstays are common enough that there is a clear way to deal with them. This guide walks you through each step, from gentle reminders to firm deadlines and, in rare cases, police involvement.

You will learn how to protect your calendar, keep communication professional, and understand the point where a late checkout turns into trespassing. Before proceeding you might also want to read How to Handle a Bad Airbnb Guest?

Handled the right way, one overstay will not ruin your listing or your reviews. It can even help you tighten your systems and house rules for future bookings.

Why Airbnb Guests Overstay

Most overstays are not malicious. They usually happen because of poor planning or simple confusion. Still, some overstays signal deeper risks that require fast action.

Common Reasons for Overstays

Guest misreads the checkout time
Guest oversleeps or loses track of time
Flight delays or travel issues
Guest waits for a ride or luggage storage
Poor communication with their group
Guest tries to get a “free extra night”
Guest tests boundaries or ignores rules

Risk Level Categories

1. Low Risk Overstay

Guest apologizes
Leaves quickly
Caused by travel or timing issues

2. Medium Risk Overstay

Guest ignores the first reminder
Shows entitlement
Creates delays for cleaners or check-in

3. High Risk Overstay

Guest blocks access
Refuses to communicate
Pretends to extend reservation without paying
Shows signs of disorderly conduct

These patterns help you decide when to shift from friendly reminders to more structured action.

Why Do Guests Overstay

Forget checkout time
Travel delays
No ride
Poor communication
Intentional rule testing
Boundary pushing

First Response: How to Handle a Mild Overstay Professionally

When you first notice a guest has not checked out, keep things simple and calm. Most overstays resolve with one polite nudge.

1. Send a Friendly Reminder Through the Airbnb App

Short and polite works best.

Example:
“Hi, checkout was at 11 a.m. Are you able to leave shortly? Let me know if you need a few minutes.”

2. Give a Clear Time Window

You can offer a small grace period if cleaners have not arrived.

Example:
“Please check out within the next 20 minutes so we can prepare for the next guest.”

3. Alert Your Cleaners

Let them know there might be a delay so they can adjust arrival time.

4. Document Everything

If the guest leaves without issues, you still benefit from having the messages recorded.

5. Add a Late Checkout Fee if Allowed

Some hosts choose to apply a modest fee if the guest delays cleaning or check-in.
Use your Airbnb settings and make sure it is listed in your house rules.

6. Reset Access Codes Once They Leave

Always refresh your door code between stays to protect security.

First Response Steps

Send polite reminder
Offer short grace period
Notify cleaners
Keep communication in the app
Consider late checkout fee
Change access codes

Structured Steps When a Guest Will Not Leave After Reminders

When a guest ignores reminders, you move from friendly messaging to firm action. At this stage, you need structure, proof, and a documented timeline.

1. Send a Firm Message Through Airbnb

Keep it short, neutral, and direct.

Example:
“Your checkout time has passed. Please confirm your departure within 10 minutes. Our cleaners need access to prepare for the next guest.”

This message shows urgency without aggression.

2. Contact Airbnb Support Early

Open a case through the Resolution Centre.
Explain the delay and upload your message thread.
Airbnb prefers to step in before the situation escalates.

3. Provide Evidence to Airbnb

Timestamped messages
Cleaner arrival times
Entry camera footage where allowed
Any signs of tampering or boundary testing

Evidence strengthens your case for intervention.

4. Do Not Physically Enter the Unit

This protects you from claims of harassment or intimidation.
Keep distance and wait for Airbnb instructions.

5. Send a Final Notice Through the App

This is your official, documented request.

Example:
“Airbnb has been notified. You must vacate the property now. Continued stay may be considered trespassing once the reservation ends.”

6. Allow Your Airbnb Case Manager to Guide the Next Step

Airbnb may:

Contact the guest directly
End the reservation
Approve removal
Document the case for further action

Extraction Block: Steps When a Guest Will Not Leave

Send firm message
Open Airbnb Support case
Upload evidence
Do not enter the unit
Send final notice
Follow the case manager’s guidance

What Happens When Airbnb Ends the Reservation and the Guest Still Stays

Once Airbnb ends the booking, the guest loses all rights to occupy the space. Their stay is no longer protected by any tenancy laws because short-term bookings are licences, not leases.

What This Means Legally

Reservation ended → Stay no longer permitted → Guest becomes a trespasser.

This is the point where you can involve authorities if needed.

Immediate Steps After Airbnb Ends the Reservation

1. Inform the Guest

Send one clear message:

“Airbnb has ended your reservation. You no longer have permission to stay. You must leave immediately.”

Keep it on the Airbnb platform for documentation.

2. Keep Your Distance

Do not knock on the door.

Do not attempt to remove their belongings.

Do not escalate the situation.

3. Call Police if the Guest Refuses to Leave

Once Airbnb ends the stay, police can respond under trespass rules.

Provide them with:

Proof of reservation termination
Your ID
Screenshots from Airbnb
A simple explanation

Police generally approach this as a civil removal unless violence or threats appear.

4. Do Not Move or Touch Guest Items

This keeps you legally protected.

Take photos if they leave items behind.

5. Update Airbnb Support

Inform your case manager that the guest refused to leave even after termination.

Airbnb collects this information for internal safety records and review.

6. Secure Your Property Once They Exit

Change all codes.

Inspect the unit.

Document any damage for potential compensation.

Summary: After Airbnb Ends the Reservation

Guest becomes trespasser
Send one clear message
Keep distance
Call police if they refuse to exit
Notify Airbnb
Secure property

Overstayed Airbnb Guest Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first if an Airbnb guest overstays?

Start with a polite reminder through the Airbnb app. Keep everything documented. In most cases, a friendly message resolves the issue.

Can I charge a fee for late checkout?

Yes, if it is listed in your house rules. You can request payment through the Resolution Centre. Airbnb supports reasonable late checkout fees.

When should I contact Airbnb Support about an overstay?

Contact Airbnb Support if the guest ignores reminders, delays your cleaners, or refuses to confirm departure. Early reporting protects you.

Can I enter the property if the guest overstays?

No. Avoid entering without permission. Communicate only through Airbnb. Entering without approval may cause conflict or claims of harassment.

When does an overstay become trespassing?

Once Airbnb ends the reservation and the guest still refuses to leave, they lose the right to occupy the space. At that moment, they become a trespasser.

Can police help if a guest refuses to leave?

Yes. Police can help once the reservation ends or if the guest becomes aggressive. Provide proof of Airbnb’s termination and your ID.

Will an overstay affect my next booking?

It can, but quick action reduces disruption. Communicate with your cleaners and keep the next guest informed if needed. Most guests are understanding.

Does Airbnb compensate hosts for overstays?

Possibly. If the overstay causes delays, cleaning issues, or financial loss, upload evidence to the Resolution Centre. Airbnb may approve compensation.

Recurring overstays can drain your time and disrupt your hosting flow. If you want stress-free turnovers, consistent scheduling, and stronger guest screening, FullHome.ca is ready to manage everything for you.

We provide:

Automated checkout reminders
Guest vetting and verification
24 hour guest communication
Emergency support for overstays
Cleaning coordination and scheduling
Listing optimization and pricing
End-to-end property management for short and medium term rentals

Let FullHome.ca handle every detail so you can enjoy stable income and reliable operations.