Wendy Weissman faces a costly legal battle after an Airbnb guest, Evhan Lemarck, refused to vacate her Hermosa Beach townhome.

Wendy Weissman, a World Series of Poker player, reported that an Airbnb guest, Evhan Lemarck, refused to vacate her $1.9 million Hermosa Beach townhome after his reservation ended. Although Lemarck originally booked the property for 30 days, he remained in the home for 48 days, claiming he could not leave until he replaced a stolen credit card. Because California law grants tenancy rights to guests who stay for 30 days or more, Weissman was forced into a civil litigation process to remove the squatter. Real estate attorney Daniel Bornstein noted that such a process can take six months, potentially costing Weissman over $70,000 in lost rental income. The dispute concluded when a major water leak allowed Weissman to declare an emergency and enter the property. Lemarck eventually vacated the home, leaving it in disarray with a filthy toilet and sand in the shower. While Airbnb removed Lemarck from its platform, Weissman expressed hope that her experience will lead to legislation to protect homeowners from lax eviction laws.

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