Airbnb owner speaks out after ‘tenant from hell’ who squatted for 500 days and demanded $100,000 finally leaves
The owner of an Airbnb in Los Angeles has spoken out after a so-called 'tenant from hell' finally left the property after squatting there for almost 600 days.
Sascha Jovanovic has been embroiled in a battle with Elizabeth Hirschhorn for months, after they first met in September 2021 and Jovanovic agreed to allow Hirschhorn to rent his California guest house.
Hirschhorn was supposed to stay for six months at the home, which is kitted out with a rooftop tennis court, fitness centre and a pool.
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However, Jovanovic took legal action when the renter was still there 575 days later, allegedly without paying rent.
As well as reportedly refusing to cough up the money for the Airbnb, Hirschhorn even counter-sued Jovanovic for $100,000 to cover her 'relocation costs'.
Her refusal to leave the property came to an end recently, with Hirschhorn being spotted moving out of the property while movers helped move her belongings.
An LAPD spokesperson confirmed police attended the scene and Hirschhorn left 'without incident'.
Jovanovic’s attorney Sebastian Rucci told the Daily Mail the owner 'changed the locks when Hirschhorn left'.
"Her lawyer responded that we jumped the gun as she intended to return after leaving," Rucci continued. "I responded that she was not allowed back, and the burden is now on her to go to court to regain possession."
Jovanovic also spoke out about the situation, saying that he was 'very relieved and also a bit overwhelmed' at Hirschhorn being removed from the property.
He added: “It was a long time coming but now she is finally out!
"This weekend is going to be very positive."
Hirschhorn's removal comes after Rucci filed a notice of voluntary dismissal of prejudice in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
A judge granted the request to dismiss the eviction case, though the case for damages against Hirschhorn is ongoing.
Legal documents cited by People explained: "Three men removed every item and Elizabeth Hirschhorn left with a police escort.
"Perceiving this as a voluntary act of abandonment, the locks were changed, and possession was retaken by the plaintiff (Jovanovic).”
Emails between Rucci and Hirschhorn's attorney Amanda Seward also revealed that the police were called after three men were seen bringing out bags from the guesthouse where Hirschhorn was staying.
“It was later concluded that Elizabeth Hirschhorn hired movers but did not inform Sascha when he asked them what they were doing," Rucci said. "He knocked on the door, and Elizabeth did not respond. After a couple of hours of this, Sascha called the police.”
Seward has since hit back denying Rucci's claim police escorted Hirschhorn from the property.
She said: "The police did not escort her out. They were there on a different matter."
UNILAD has contacted the LAPD for a comment.
Emily Brown