After a contentious battle that lasted for over a year, Elizabeth Hirschhorn, the tenant who refused to pay rent for her luxury Airbnb rental in Brentwood, has finally moved out of the unit. The move took place exactly one month after The Times first reported on Hirschhorn’s refusal to pay rent and the ensuing legal battle between her and Sascha Jovanovic, the landlord and property owner.
Jovanovic expressed relief at finally having his home back, stating, “I had such a peaceful weekend once she left.” During her stay, Hirschhorn argued that the lease was extended off Airbnb and that the unit was subject to the Rent Control Ordinance, making it necessary for Jovanovic to evict her if he wanted her to leave. She also claimed that she didn’t have to pay rent because Jovanovic never obtained an occupancy license for the guesthouse.
On the day of Hirschhorn’s departure, Jovanovic was being interviewed for a documentary about the battle when he noticed three men entering the guesthouse. Concerned that it could be a home invasion, he called the police. However, it turned out that the men were movers helping Hirschhorn with her move. Once all of her belongings were packed, the police escorted her off the property. Jovanovic and his attorney then confirmed that the guesthouse was empty and changed the locks.
It remains unclear whether Hirschhorn has permanently moved out or if she plans to return to the property. Jovanovic and his attorney have not heard from Hirschhorn or her legal team, leading them to assume that she has left for good. They have reached out to Hirschhorn’s attorney to discuss the next steps regarding Jovanovic’s eviction lawsuit.
While Jovanovic plans to drop the unlawful detainer lawsuit if Hirschhorn has indeed moved out permanently, he still intends to pursue damages in a separate lawsuit. He claims that Hirschhorn owes approximately $58,000 in unpaid rent, while she argues that she owes nothing due to Jovanovic’s lack of a rental license. Hirschhorn’s lawsuit also accuses Jovanovic of harassment and intimidation, allegations that he denies.
The viral nature of Hirschhorn’s tenancy drew significant attention to the case. News vans and paparazzi gathered outside the home, causing a disruption to both parties involved. Jovanovic described the situation, saying, “Drones were flying above my house every day. It was crazy.”
Moving forward, Jovanovic plans to address the mold damage in the unit that was a point of contention during Hirschhorn’s stay. He also intends to obtain the necessary permits from the city, as he never had a license to rent the unit. Once these issues are resolved, he plans to convert the space into a recreation room for his children.
The conclusion of this long-standing battle brings some relief to both Jovanovic and Hirschhorn. However, the legal disputes and financial claims are likely to continue as they pursue resolution through the courts.
