Airbnb Host Forced To Pursue Eviction After Vacation Renter Becomes Squatter, Refuses To Leave
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- A San Francisco woman who rented out her Southern California vacation home on Airbnb said her latest guest is a squatter who is refusing to leave.
The guest booked a stay at Cory Tschogl's condominium in Palm Springs from May 25th to July 8th. He paid the first month in advance, but refused to pay the remaining balance, which was eventually picked up by Airbnb.
Tschogl said she texted the renter when his 44-day stay was up. She said the guest responded by saying he was legally occupying the condo and that he was doing work from the condo that brings in $1,000 to $7,000 a day.
Under California law, a tenant who has occupied a unit over 30 days has renters' protections.
Tschogl told the San Francisco Chronicle that she has received little help from Airbnb until her sister tweeted numerous complaints about the issue. She has also hired a lawyer to evict the tenant, a process that is expected to take several months and cost thousands of dollars.
Airbnb released this statement to KPIX 5:
"Officials from our team have contacted this host and she has been paid the full cost of the reservation and we're working with her to provide additional legal support as we move forward. We're also reviewing our procedures and making changes to our platform to give hosts more information about long-term reservations."