Philadelphia man sues Airbnb after squatter changes locks, rents out property and causes 'extensive' damage

A Pennsylvania man is taking legal action against Airbnb who he says is responsible for over $100,000 of damages and lost income caused by a squatter on his property.

Joseph Foresta, a landlord in South Philadelphia, alleges in a lawsuit filed in late March that he rented out his residence through Airbnb to an individual who squatted for three months and did significant damage to the property, the Pennsylvania Record reported.

Foresta claims that he listed his property, located at 1514 Christian Street, and believed that Airbnb "thoroughly vetted" prospective guests and "led plaintiff to believe it was responsible for the safety of the host’s property from any damage caused by the guest to the host’s property, and it would be responsible for any over stay of the guests beyond the time reserved and paid for by the guest."

According to the lawsuit, an individual named Lawrence H. Jackson made a reservation for a one night stay on June 13, 2020, and Airbnb collected the rent for the one nigh...