‘Infernal guest’ hasn’t paid Airbnb rent for one year – and could get compensation
The court prevented the tenant from being evicted due to irregularities in the property. Now it is asking the owner for more than 90 thousand euros.
The “renter from hell,” as she became known, has been living for about a year and a half in a luxury home with a commanding view of the Los Angeles hills, USA. If you stayed there, the story would be nothing unusual. But the case becomes unusual, because Elizabeth Hirschhorn has not paid rent for the property she rented via Airbnb since 2022 – and she does not agree to leave unless the landlord pays her $100,000 (about 94,000 euros).
The American moved into Sasha Jovanovic’s guest house in September 2021. At the time, she booked a six-month stay for $105 (about 99 euros) per night. When the deadline expired, in April last year, he decided he didn’t want to leave.
As expected, the owner took the case to court. However, the judge ruled that Hirschhorn could not be evicted — and according to an ordinance passed this year by the state of Los Angeles, she would still have to collect relocation fees.
The inmate’s defense claims that the client should not pay for the rent, but rather receive compensation, because the city did not agree to occupy the residence. In fact, it is attached to the main residence of Saša Jovanovic, who explained to the court that it was also used by the family and was rated five stars by Airbnb guests.
Another problem highlighted by the tenant was the fact that, in the meantime, a shower had been installed without the proper licence. “The owner violated the law and tried to make money by renting illegal accommodation.”One of the plaintiff’s attorneys, Colin Walshock, explained to the Los Angeles Times. He added that Jovanovic intimidated and harassed the guest when he faced these violations.
The landlord’s lawyers claim that he tried to make the requested changes, but the tenant prevented him from accessing the place. The Airbnb owner even offered his house (among other places) to Elizabeth, so she could have a place to stay while on business. But the offers were rejected.
