In an eyebrow-raising story that’s left property owners and conservative voices across the nation fuming, Elizabeth Hirschhorn, better known as “the tenant from hell,” has been occupying a lavish guest house with a stunning view of the Los Angeles hills for more than 500 days. What’s even more astonishing is her audacious demand for a whopping $100,000 as a relocation fee to vacate the premises.
This astounding saga began back in September 2021 when Ms. Hirschhorn initially rented Sascha Jovanovic’s Brentwood guest home for what was supposed to be a mere six-month stay. At a rate of $105 a night, with additional fees, the grand total reached $20,793, as per court documents. However, alarmingly, her Airbnb reservation officially ended in April 2022, and she has since been squatting in the property without paying a dime in rent.
Mr. Jovanovic found himself in a legal quagmire as a result of Los Angeles’ rent stabilization ordinance and the recently implemented Just Cause Ordinance. According to a judge’s ruling, he cannot evict Ms. Hirschhorn legally. Instead, he’s compelled to offer her a hefty relocation fee.
Ms. Hirschhorn’s lawyer, Amanda Seward, argued, “A $100,000 payout is Jovanovic’s most economical way out of this ordeal. Until a judgment is made, this property is the tenant’s rightful residence, no matter how uncomfortable it is for your client.”
Furthermore, her legal team contends that she should not be liable for any rent but should, in fact, be reimbursed the $20,793, given that the guest house wasn’t officially approved for occupancy by the city, and its shower was constructed without a permit.
Colin Walshok, one of Ms. Hirschhorn’s attorneys, pointed out, “The landlord flagrantly violated the law by renting out an unauthorized unit. His actions reveal a profit-driven motive, even if it meant offering an illegal bootlegged space.”
In stark contrast, Jovanovic’s attorney, Sebastian Rucci, doesn’t mince words. “She’s the tenant from hell,” he exclaimed, vehemently opposing the notion that someone can indefinitely occupy an unpermitted space without paying rent.
Court documents shed light on an initially harmonious landlord-tenant relationship. For the first few months, Jovanovic and Hirschhorn exchanged pleasantries, even sharing tea and small talk on the property’s deck.
Trouble arose roughly five months into her stay when Hirschhorn reported issues with electronic blinds. When Jovanovic inspected the unit for repairs, he was stunned to find water damage and signs of mold around her sink, which he asserts were nonexistent before her arrival.
In an attempt to accommodate her, Jovanovic proposed covering her five-day stay at a nearby hotel, either the Santa Monica Hilton or the Sure Stay Best Western in Santa Monica. He even offered her $1,500 for alternative accommodation. Astonishingly, Hirschhorn declined, citing COVID-19 risks and a 2011 doctor’s note regarding chemical sensitivities.
As tensions escalated, Jovanovic reluctantly granted Hirschhorn an extension through April 12, hoping she’d find alternative housing. However, when she failed to vacate, he resorted to involving the city housing department and initiating eviction proceedings.
Hirschhorn retaliated by reporting code violations at the property, asserting that the unit was unauthorized for occupancy and had an unpermitted shower. She subsequently filed a complaint against Jovanovic, alleging illegal eviction, harassment, and refusal to pay relocation fees.
While a housing investigator found merit in Hirschhorn’s claims due to code violations, Jovanovic argues that he was prevented from entering the unit to make the necessary repairs.
Amidst this legal battle, Jovanovic now faces fines of $660 from the city’s Department of Building Safety for failing to comply with building codes. In a bid to regain control of his property, Jovanovic has filed two separate lawsuits against Hirschhorn: one for $58,000 in unpaid rent and another to appeal the judge’s decision to dismiss the eviction case.
This protracted standoff between landlord and tenant underscores the urgency of clarifying property rights and tenant obligations in Los Angeles. The outcome of this high-profile case could set a precedent that may affect landlords and property owners nationwide.
As the legal battle rages on, Ms. Hirschhorn continues to occupy Mr. Jovanovic’s property, leaving him with sleepless nights and mounting frustration. This peculiar standoff serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing debate over property rights and tenant protections in the city of Los Angeles.
