Toronto Condo Owner Shocked To Find Unit Listed On Airbnb — since 2016.
What would you do if you discovered your property listed on Airbnb — with over 70 reviews?
Well, Sanda Jovasevic was obviously shocked, but she sought justice. And justice has been served.
Jovasevic's condo had been repeatedly rented out on Airbnb without her knowledge by someone tied to a property management company. So she took her case to the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Back in March, we told you about this CBC Toronto investigation that found two condo owners, who each had one of their units listed on Airbnb — without consent. Both times by a “host” who claims she works for a Toronto property management company.
READ: Toronto Condo Owner Shocked To Find Unit Listed On Airbnb — Since 2016
Jovasevic leased her downtown Toronto condo to a tenant in May 2016, simply as a long-term investment for her retirement. She never realized someone else would profit from it as well.
The property owner has no idea who has been in her dwelling and what has been done there.
While Jovasevic never actually met her tenant, she had the lease agreement brokered between her real estate agent and another agent. The tenant was listed as a man named Shripal Banker. He even included a letter of reference letter with the signed lease.
READ: Toronto’s 35 Neighbourhoods: Where Is It Cheaper To Rent Or Own A Condo?
CBC says it was only in 2017 the condo owner realized something odd was happening. She received a call from her building concierge saying the unit’s door was wide open, and another call with a noise complaint about two Airbnb guests.
Imagine the horror when Jovasevic found her place listed on Airbnb by a host named “Sofia.”
So, Jovasevic spent thousands of dollars fighting for compensation for damages caused by a minimum of 70 Airbnb guests, believed to have been using her property since 2016. She also wanted to evict a tenant she believes never actually moved in.
In the end, the Landlord and Tenant Board ordered the tenant to pay Jovasevic about $4,400.
