Overview
- At a Thursday hearing, the judge sided with homeowner Rochanne Douglas, finding Shadija Romero lacks tenant protections and can be removed as soon as today.
- The court validated a document Romero signed acknowledging she was not a tenant, and it sealed only phone numbers and emails rather than the full case file.
- Romero initially reserved the furnished home for 32 days in February, stayed past the March 29 checkout, and asserted tenancy after more than 30 days in the property.
- Court filings and testimony describe utilities moved into Romero’s name, security cameras tampered with, a lockout of the owner, and an alleged attempt to push Douglas off a ladder; a prior order required restoring electricity pending the hearing.
- Public records entered in court show earlier eviction cases and large alleged unpaid rent debts tied to Romero, while the high-profile dispute has prompted D.C. officials to review rental and landlord-tenant policy.