In March 2023, Pennsylvania landlord Joseph Foresta sued Airbnb after an individual rented his residence for one night through the company’s website and ended up squatting in the apartment. The guest paid for his stay through Airbnb and refused to vacate the property, even going so far as to change the locks and assault Foresta when he tried to regain access. It took many months for Foresta to finally gain access to his property, only to discover damages valued at over $75,000. Despite his attempts to reach out to Airbnb for assistance, Foresta claims the company ignored him.
Foresta’s attorney, Joyce Ullman, explained that the main issue in the case was whether Pennsylvania had jurisdiction over a lawsuit against Airbnb. The court found that personal jurisdiction was proper over Airbnb because they knowingly did business in Pennsylvania by entering into contracts with homeowners through their website and collecting fees for their services. The court ruling asserting that the state has jurisdiction over Airbnb was considered a significant win by Ullman. The case has been ordered into arbitration, a method in which parties in dispute agree to have their case heard by a qualified arbitrator out of court.
Arbitration is a process that Foresta’s attorney argued against, but the judge ruled in favor of Airbnb, requiring the case to go through arbitration first. The parties must file a status report of the arbitration by June 3, 2024. Foresta has not encountered any other squatter issues since the initial case was brought forward. A spokesperson for Airbnb stated that Foresta had been banned from hosting on the platform since July 2020 due to frequent violations of community standards and policies.
In an effort to protect themselves against squatters, homeowners and landlords can take certain measures. This includes conducting thorough background checks on potential renters, maintaining clear communication and documentation of rental agreements, promptly addressing any violations or disputes, staying informed about local tenancy laws, and seeking legal assistance if necessary. Foresta’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the potential risks involved in renting out properties, especially through online platforms like Airbnb.
The court’s decision regarding jurisdiction over Airbnb in the Foresta case sets a precedent for future disputes involving the company in Pennsylvania. The outcome of the arbitration process will determine the next steps in resolving the conflict between Foresta and Airbnb. This case highlights the importance of understanding legal procedures and seeking proper representation when dealing with complex landlord-tenant disputes. Despite the challenges Foresta faced in regaining control of his property, he continues to seek justice and hold Airbnb accountable for their role in the situation.
