Airbnb guest overstays rental, demands $100K relocation fee
 
 
 
 
 
 

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

Airbnb guest Elizabeth Hirschhorn demands $100,000 from the host, Sascha Jovanovic
/ 03:33 AM October 10, 2023

Airbnb guest’s 540-day, rent-free stay in LA mansion sparks legal battle

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.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

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.


The situation reached a breaking point when Hirschhorn complained about issues with the property during her stay, including problems with electronic blinds and signs of mold and water damage around the sink.

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

You may also like: California is the first US state to implement ‘Skittles ban’

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.

Want stories like this delivered straight to your inbox? Stay informed. Stay ahead. Subscribe to InqMORNING

Don't miss out on the latest news and information.
TAGS: Airbnb, lawsuit, Los Angeles, Trending
For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.




This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.