@Kyle1066 You’ve raised an important concern — and your instincts are absolutely on point. Thank you for sharing this, as it’s a situation more hosts are starting to face, especially with long-term inquiries.
As you mentioned, in British Columbia, under the Residential Tenancy Act, tenancy rights can be triggered at 30 days or more — even if there’s no formal lease. That includes guests in short-term rentals if certain conditions are met (like paying directly or staying without clear check-in/check-out processes). This is why extending beyond 28 days must always be done cautiously and through Airbnb only.
Your decision to refuse off-platform payment was the right one — not just for tax reasons, but because Airbnb’s Terms of Service strictly prohibit it, and you’d lose any support or protection from the platform if things went wrong.
@Marie8425 made a great point about using neutral boundaries like blocking a few days on your calendar — this allows you to stay firm without confrontation.
@Kitty-and-Creek0 is also spot on — friendliness can sometimes be used to disarm hosts and slowly push boundaries, especially when someone is seeking stability through squatting.
📌 Tips for similar situations:
Never accept cash or off-platform payments.
Avoid hosting a guest for 30+ consecutive days unless you fully understand local tenancy laws.
Trust your gut: If a guest feels like a long-term risk, it’s okay to say no.
Document communication and stick to Airbnb's messaging platform.
You’ve handled this situation with clarity and professionalism. Thanks again for sharing — your experience will definitely help other hosts stay aware and protected. 🙌
