Meshak Moore, a British vacationer, was awarded $375,000 after he was bitten hundreds of times by bedbugs at a vacation rental property in Hollywood Hills in 2015. The property on the 2300 block of Vasanta Way was owned by Henry Huang and Robert Norris of Bamboo Retreats, LLC.
Moore planned to stay at the property from August 24, 2015, through October 22, 2015 but terminated his stay after four weeks owing to the severe bedbug infestation. He suffered hundreds of bites all over his body, leading to serious discomfort, permanent scarring, and emotional distress.
Despite regular encounters with Moore, the property owners were not informed about the bites until Moore decided to leave the property. The court found the owners negligent and liable for Moore’s injuries caused by the bedbug infestation. They were accused of not keeping the property habitable, a direct violation of California civil code.
The court held that the owners should have discovered the infestation, believed to be several months old, prior to Moore’s arrival. Moore was originally awarded $500,000 for his pain and suffering, but the judge reduced the award to $375,000, citing Moore’s failure to disclose the bites to the property owners despite having ample opportunities to do so.
As personal injury bloggers, we often discuss the importance of property owners’ responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their guests. This case emphasises the importance of maintaining a high standard of cleanliness in rental accommodations and the potential legal consequences of failing to do so.