Aerial views from Backgrid.com shows Sascha Jovanovic’s Brentwood, California home where “America’s worst Airbnb renter” Elizabeth Hirschhorn has overstayed her welcome for 540 days!
A judge recently ruled that Jovanovic, a Los Angeles dentist, has no legal right to evict Hirschhorn — even though she hasn’t paid rent in 540 days.
The judge said Jovanovic built the guesthouse addition to his mansion without having a certificate of occupancy or a permit to build a shower inside the structure. According to California law, it was not a legal rental when he listed it on Airbnb. When Hirschhorn’s lease was up, Jovanovic agreed to extend her lease, which was outside of Airbnb’s contract.
The case began in September 2021, when Jovanovic approved a long-term stay for Elizabeth Hirschhorn. Hirschhorn rented the guesthouse for six months at $105 per night, spending $20,793 in total. When Hirschhorn complained about broken blinds, Jovanovic noticed mold around a sink and offered to put Hirschhorn up in a hotel while a contractor made some repairs. But Hirschhorn declined. She also declined an offer to stay in his main house while repairs were being made.
A tense exchange ensued until Hirschhorn’s originally scheduled Airbnb stay ended on March 19, 2022. On April 12, Hirschhorn stopped paying rent and Jovanic told her she was being evicted. Around this time Hirschhorn contacted the Department of Building and Safety, which identified two code violations: lack of approval for occupancy and an unpermitted shower.
She also submitted a complaint to a city official, alleging illegal eviction, harassment, and nonpayment of relocation fees. The official agreed that because the unit violated city codes, Jovanovic had to withdraw his eviction notices until he could prove that the unit was in compliance. But Hirschhorn won’t allow him inside to bring the unit into compliance, according to Jovanovic’s lawsuit.
Since Hirschhorn has lived in the property for more than six months, she also qualifies for LA’s new Just Cause Ordinance, which requires a landlord to give a legal reason for eviction. If none exists, the landlord must pay for relocation assistance.
Hirschhorn is asking Jovanovic for $100,000 to relocate to another home. But he refuses to pay her. He has filed a lawsuit and 4 complaints against her with the city.
It could take years for the matter to be resolved in court. In the meantime, he’s not allowed to turn off the power, water or change the locks to the guesthouse.
Jovanic said Hirschhorn makes his family feel uneasy and unsafe.
