Airbnb nightmare: 1 year-long unpaid rent forces police eviction of tenant from Brentwood residence.
The Airbnb Nightmare: Brentwood Homeowner vs. Tenant – A Costly Legal Battle Comes to an End
A protracted and nightmarish dispute in Brentwood between a homeowner, Aleksandar Jovanovic, and his Airbnb tenant, Elizabeth Hirschhorn, who failed to pay rent for over a year, seems to have finally come to an end. This contentious saga, filled with legal battles and police involvement, concluded with Hirschhorn being escorted out of the mansion last Friday.
Jovanovic, the homeowner, has a long history with the property. He purchased the house back in 1995 and dedicated years to its remodeling. In 2019, he decided to capitalize on the booming Airbnb market by renting out the guest house, which marked the beginning of this tumultuous journey.
Elizabeth Hirschhorn initially sought accommodation for just six months. However, trouble began when the guest house required substantial repairs merely four months into her stay. This unanticipated need for maintenance initiated a series of events that ultimately led to an unofficial agreement between Hirschhorn and Jovanovic, extending her stay beyond her original Airbnb reservation.
The conflict escalated when Hirschhorn ceased her rent payments in April 2022, although she continued to reside on the property, flouting the rules of their unofficial arrangement. Court documents indicate that, at this point, Hirschhorn had accrued an outstanding debt of nearly $60,000 in rent, casting her in the role of a contentious squatter.
The eviction and legal battle that ensued were nothing short of a saga. Authorities were forced to intervene, leading to her removal by the police. This unsavory chapter in Brentwood has now drawn to a close, but the scars left by this lengthy dispute are likely to linger.
In the world of Airbnb, such disputes between homeowners and tenants are not uncommon, and they often stem from a lack of clarity in agreements and a misunderstanding of tenant rights. It is a reminder of the importance of clear communication, proper permits, and adherence to California law to avoid such nightmarish scenarios.
In the end, the resolution of this Airbnb nightmare in Brentwood serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the significance of formal agreements and adherence to the law in such arrangements. Both parties have undoubtedly endured their share of turmoil throughout this ordeal, with Jovanovic’s mansion now free from the presence of uninvited guests, while Hirschhorn is left to navigate the aftermath of a contentious legal battle.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
