Nikeeta Sriram, a 31-year-old commerce strategy and growth product executive at Netflix, recently found herself ensnared in a protracted and nightmarish legal battle with a tenant who turned her $1.8 million Los Angeles home into an unauthorized Airbnb.
Sriram, who moved to Los Angeles in 2021 after graduating from Harvard Business School, purchased the property in the desirable Mid-Wilshire area during the pandemic when housing prices were lower.
Initially bought for $1.675 million, the home’s value has since appreciated significantly.
Initial Rental Plans and Tenant Selection
Due to being tied to a lease at the time of purchase, Sriram decided to rent out her new property until she was ready to move in.
This decision led her into an unexpected ordeal with Nicholas Jarzabek, a musician who ultimately became her tenant. Jarzabek, known in the music world as Nick Driver, initially applied to rent the property but was passed over in favor of two other applicants working for a start-up.
However, when the start-up failed in August 2022, Sriram found herself seeking a new tenant once more. Jarzabek applied again, and this time, Sriram accepted his application.
The Nightmare Begins: From Reliable Tenant to Airbnb Schemer
At first, Jarzabek appeared to be a reliable tenant. He paid the $8,500 monthly rent and did not demand any repairs, presenting himself as a responsible occupant.
However, as time passed, Sriram began to suspect something was amiss.
The suspicions were confirmed on December 29, 2023, when repeated triggers of the ADT alarm system led to police involvement, revealing that Airbnb guests had activated the alarms.
Uncovering the Scheme: A Hidden Airbnb Operation
Upon investigating further, Sriram discovered her property listed on Airbnb, with the main house and the back house separately available for $688 and $496 per night, respectively.
The listings, under the name Rich Jacobs, did not use exterior photos of the house and provided a fake address to keep the property hidden from Sriram.
Reviews of the Airbnb listings highlighted issues with address discrepancies and hostile communication from the host.
Legal Actions and Confrontations
Realizing the extent of the deception, Sriram attempted to confront Jarzabek, who deflected her inquiries to his lawyer.
Determined to reclaim her property, Sriram took the unusual step of booking the Airbnb herself to contact Jarzabek through the platform’s messaging system.
She repeatedly warned him to stop subleasing the property without authorization.
Despite her efforts, the listings persisted, prompting Sriram to file an eviction lawsuit in the L.A. Superior Court and a cease and desist order in April.
The Complexities of the Legal System and Airbnb’s Role
Navigating the complex property laws proved challenging for Sriram, as her house continued to be rented out on Airbnb despite her legal actions. With little assistance from Airbnb, Sriram resorted to visiting the property whenever it was booked, explaining the situation to guests who were generally understanding but frustrated.
Through a subpoena, Sriram learned that Jarzabek had earned over $215,000 from the Airbnb listings, averaging around $14,500 per month.
Moving Forward: Legal Battles and Potential Damages
Sriram recently succeeded in having her unlawful detainer lawsuit approved, allowing her to move forward with the eviction process.
However, due to a backlog at the LA County Sheriff’s department, there is a three-month wait for eviction enforcement.
Sriram and her partner, actor Peter Banachowski, are also considering suing Jarzabek for damages, estimated at $100,000 since the beginning of the year.
However, suing someone based in another country is a complex and costly endeavor.
The Broader Implications: Airbnb Regulations and Tenant Protections
Reflecting on her ordeal, Sriram expressed frustration with the lack of effective regulation of Airbnb operations and the difficulty in reclaiming property from tenants exploiting legal loopholes.
She argued for stricter controls or even a temporary ban on Airbnb until a dedicated task force could manage such issues.
This case underscores the broader challenges faced by homeowners in protecting their properties from misuse and navigating the intersection of property rights and short-term rental platforms.
Conclusion: A Hard Lesson Learned
Sriram’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for property owners about the potential pitfalls of renting out homes.
Despite the initial appearance of a reliable tenant, the situation quickly devolved into a legal and logistical nightmare.
As she continues to fight for control over her property, Sriram’s story highlights the importance of due diligence and the need for robust legal protections for homeowners in the era of short-term rentals.
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TDPel Media
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