Overstaying Airbnb guest refuses to leave LA rental, demands $100K relocation fee

Photo from Oregon Tea Party/Twitter

In a peculiar turn of events, Airbnb guest Elizabeth Hirschhorn has overstayed her welcome in a luxurious Los Angeles mansion for over 540 days—and she’s refusing to leave unless the host, Sascha Jovanovic, pays her $100,000.

This situation has escalated into a legal battle, drawing attention to the complexities of Los Angeles housing laws and Airbnb rentals.

Hirschhorn’s extended stay at Jovanovic’s Brentwood mansion began in September 2021 and was initially intended to last for six months. However, she has adamantly refused to vacate the premises, asserting her right to remain.

A judge has ruled that Jovanovic lacks legal grounds to evict Airbnb guest Hirschhorn from the mansion, citing the city’s rent stabilization laws, which the newly implemented Just Cause Ordinance has reinforced. This ordinance stipulates that landlords must provide a valid legal reason for eviction or offer relocation assistance.

Hirschhorn’s attorney Colin Walshok contends that she is not obligated to pay rent for her extended stay because the property lacks official approval for occupancy by the city, and he asserts that the shower was constructed without the necessary permit.

Jovanovic offered to pay for her hotel stay while repairs were made, but Hirschhorn declined, citing concerns related to COVID-19 and chemical sensitivities. She also turned down an offer to stay in Jovanovic’s primary residence due to her sensitivity to cat dander.

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The legal standoff has created a tense living situation, with Jovanovic and Hirschhorn residing in close proximity despite their deteriorated host-guest relationship. Jovanovic is eager to resolve this protracted legal battle and regain control of the guesthouse, originally intended for his children’s use, in the hopes of restoring it to a peaceful and happy space for his family.

This case underscores the challenges posed by evolving housing laws, unregistered rentals, and the rights of tenants and hosts in the evolving landscape of home-sharing platforms like Airbnb.