HOLLYWOOD HILLS—An empty lot in the Hollywood Hills is being rented out to guests through Airbnb, and has been causing problems with neighbors who claim to have seen unacceptable behavior. According to the listing on Airbnb, which has since been removed but can still be found in Google’s cache, the host’s name is Judith, which turns out to be an alias for celebrity Dita de Leon.
De Leon has been renting the backyard of her home to Airbnb visitors for $35 a night, or $800 per month. For an additional price, they can also use the portable toilet and shower from next door. De Leon listed the site as a “Hollywood Hills Camping Retreat,” on La Punta Drive. Claiming that it had always been a dream of hers to live in the Hills, she now wants to share it with others: “I wanted to share the view, I wanted to share this amazing experience,” she told ABC7.
Some neighbors around the campsite have complained about guests misbehaving. Airbnb has removed the listing and issues the following statement to NBC4:
“The listing is no longer on the site. Airbnb guests expect unique and authentic travel experiences and in turn communities rightfully expect considerate visitors. We have had more than 40 million guests stay with Airbnb. Problems for hosts, guests and neighbors are extremely rare but when they happen, we work fast to make things right.”
Neighbors are hoping the city will check for any zoning violations in the hopes of stopping the rentals from happening.
