Because Vidle Housing specializes in stays of 30 days or longer, a traveler may have certain tenant or occupancy rights depending on the property's location, length of stay, and applicable laws.
Step 1: Confirm the Reservation Details
Before taking further action, confirm:
The reservation's official check-out date and time.
Whether an extension was requested or approved.
Whether additional payments have been made or are pending.
Whether there is any communication suggesting the reservation was extended.
Whether the traveler has provided a reason for the delayed departure.
Do not assume the traveler has abandoned the reservation or is unlawfully occupying the property until the circumstances have been reviewed.
Step 2: Contact the Traveler Through Vidle Housing
Send a clear and professional message through the Vidle Housing messaging system.
For example:
"Hi [Traveler Name], your reservation ended on [date] at [time], and we have not yet received confirmation that the property has been vacated. Please provide an update on your departure status as soon as possible."
Keep all communication factual and avoid threats or confrontational language.
Step 3: Document the Situation
Save all relevant information, including:
Reservation dates.
Messages with the traveler.
Attempts to contact the traveler.
Check-out instructions.
Any extension requests.
Payment information related to the reservation.
Photos or videos, when lawfully obtained.
Statements from a property manager, cleaner, or other relevant party.
Any other documentation related to the overstay.
Do not enter the property without proper notice or legal authority solely to take photos or determine whether the traveler has left.
Step 4: Contact Vidle Housing Support Immediately
If the traveler has not vacated after the reservation ends, contact Vidle Housing Support as soon as possible.
Provide:
Traveler name.
Reservation details.
Property address.
Scheduled check-out date and time.
Copies of relevant communication.
Details about any requested or denied extensions.
Any other relevant documentation.
Our team can review the reservation, communication history, and available payment information and help determine the appropriate next steps within the scope of Vidle Housing's policies.
Important: Do Not Attempt a Self-Help Eviction
Do not:
Change the locks while the traveler is still occupying the property.
Shut off water, electricity, heat, or other essential utilities.
Remove or dispose of the traveler's belongings.
Physically remove or threaten the traveler.
Enter the property without proper notice or legal authority.
Harass or intimidate the traveler into leaving.
These actions may be prohibited by applicable law and could create additional legal or safety concerns.
Should I Contact Law Enforcement?
If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, contact emergency services.
For a non-emergency overstay, whether law enforcement can assist depends on local laws and the circumstances. In some jurisdictions, the matter may be considered a civil landlord-tenant or occupancy dispute rather than trespassing.
Hosts should not assume that an overstaying traveler is automatically a trespasser.
If you are unsure about your legal rights or the appropriate removal process, consider contacting a qualified local attorney, housing authority, or other appropriate local resource.
What About Additional Payment for the Overstay?
Additional charges or compensation may depend on:
The reservation terms.
The length of the overstay.
Applicable laws.
Whether an extension was approved.
The traveler's payment status.
Other relevant circumstances.
Do not attempt to charge the traveler's payment method without authorization or request payment through unsupported off-platform methods.
Contact Vidle Housing Support for guidance regarding available platform payment options.
What If Another Traveler Is Scheduled to Arrive?
Notify Vidle Housing Support immediately if an overstay affects an upcoming reservation.
Provide:
The next traveler's check-in date and time.
Whether the property can still be prepared in time.
Any communication with the overstaying traveler.
Any alternative accommodations or solutions already being considered.
Do not promise the incoming traveler that the property will be available until the situation has been confirmed.
When to Seek Local Legal Guidance
Because stays on Vidle Housing are generally 30 days or longer, local landlord-tenant, lodging, or occupancy laws may apply.
Consider seeking qualified local legal guidance if:
The traveler refuses to leave.
The traveler claims tenant or occupancy rights.
The traveler has been in the property for an extended period.
A formal notice or eviction process may be required.
You are unsure whether you can legally enter the property.
Law enforcement advises that the matter is civil.
The traveler has left belongings behind after departure.
Vidle Housing can assist with reservation records, communication history, and platform-related information, but cannot provide legal advice or carry out an eviction on a host's behalf.
If a traveler remains at your property after their reservation has ended, contact Vidle Housing Support immediately and provide all available documentation.
Do not change locks, shut off utilities, remove belongings, or attempt to physically remove the traveler without confirming your legal rights and following applicable laws.