Squatters took over her Airbnb property. She fought back and wants others to do the same

Summary by The Waco Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Scripps News Group, KXXV (ABC 25) News · July 23, 2026 · 5 min read

An Airbnb host is warning property owners to fight back after squatters took over a home on her ranch and demanded $30,000 to leave, prompting her to hire a company that specializes in removing squatters. The whole situation just crushed me. I reached a point where I had no idea what to do and fe...

Why this matters in The Waco

For Waco property owners who rent out their homes on platforms like Airbnb, the story of a California host battling squatters is a cautionary tale. While Texas laws differ from California's, the risk of unauthorized occupants taking over a rental property is still present. In McLennan County, where Waco is located, law enforcement and property owners must navigate the complexities of civil matters versus criminal offenses. The experience of the California host, who was told by deputies that the situation was a civil matter, highlights the challenges of getting help when dealing with squatters. As the short-term rental market continues to grow in Waco, it's crucial for property owners to be aware of their rights and responsibilities, as well as the potential risks and consequences of renting out their properties to strangers. Local property owners should take note of the resources available to them, such as companies that specialize in removing squatters, and be prepared to take action if faced with a similar situation.

About this story

Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News. The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News. Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: business · Published: July 23, 2026 · Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News · Reading time: 5 min

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This article was first published on July 23, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.

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This story was reported by Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards.

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Summary created by	The Waco Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Scripps News Group, KXXV (ABC 25) News
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 23, 2026
Indexed here	Jul 23, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

Squatters took over her Airbnb property. She fought back and wants others to do the same

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