ORLANDO, Fla. – The City of Orlando is taking legal action against a Lake Eola Heights couple, filing a lawsuit to foreclose on their property over more than half a million dollars in code enforcement violations.
Walking through the home of Holly Joffrion and Mikhail Vaysberg is a testament to their travels. Every room features a different look, and every piece of art tells a story. But city officials are now questioning whether the couple actually lives there.
“It has become stressful,” one of the homeowners said when asked about the toll the legal battle has taken on their family.
Fines topping $500K
News 6 found the city began fining the couple in 2023. Some of those fines are accruing at up to $2,000 per day, pushing the total well past $500,000. The largest single fine exceeds $341,000.
At the heart of the dispute: The city accuses the couple of not living in the home, but instead renting it as an Airbnb and hosting concerts on the property.
“There’s no business here. I make zero money on anything they claim I make,” Vaysberg said.
Vaysberg denies the allegations, saying the gatherings held at the home are simply for family and friends.
“I also have a big family, and why should I not have friends over?” he said.
Neighbors tell a different story
But residents who live in the condo complex directly behind the property describe something far different.
“These are events they’re having — they’re not family,” said Paul Stocksdale, president of the homeowners association for Justin Place Condos.
Stocksdale says the sound carries directly over the fence and into the neighboring units.
“They have the loud music — it’s like a studio, it’s like a concert. It’ll shake your windows,” he said.
“That loud?” a reporter asked.
“Yeah, it’s that loud,” Stocksdale replied.
Homestead exemption at issue
The couple told News 6 they did explore using the property as an Airbnb, but changed their minds once they realized how much work the historic home requires. However, News 6 found they are also claiming a homestead exemption on the property — something the city calls improper.
Neighbors say the situation has worn thin.
“They have total disregard for the neighbors. They don’t care,” Stocksdale said.
The City of Orlando released a statement to News 6, saying in part: “We remain committed to protecting the quality of life in the surrounding neighborhood and will continue to follow all applicable legal procedures as the case moves forward,” a spokesperson said via email