Carmen Efferson is contesting Stevie Wonder’s effort to evict her from a three-bedroom Hollywood Hills home where she has lived since 1988. In a court filing, she alleges the property has not been maintained in habitable condition and asks for repairs and a lower rent until the problems are fixed.
Efferson’s response accuses Wonder of breaching the warranty of habitability. Her reported complaints include damp or leaking ceilings and walls, holes in walls, floors and carpet, damaged window screens and plumbing, and moisture and mold. She is also seeking attorney fees and a reduction to what she describes as a “reasonable rental value.”
The filing says Efferson has paid rent and/or provided nonmonetary consideration or services in exchange for living at the property. She also disputes Wonder’s ownership and argues that he lacks standing to evict her. A lawyer for Wonder had not responded to a request for comment by Wednesday, according to the report.
Wonder’s lawsuit, filed on Oct. 22, says the two had an oral agreement allowing Efferson to live in the home rent-free. The complaint alleges that representatives tried three times in July to enter the property for an inspection connected to an insurance renewal, but Efferson refused access. The lawsuit includes emails in which she objected to the proposed entry.
Wonder’s attorneys later told Efferson that the agreement had been revoked and served an eviction notice setting an Aug. 27, 2026, move-out date. After she remained in the home, Wonder filed the civil case, asking a judge to order her removal and award $600 in damages tied to the lapsed property insurance renewal.
Sources: Rolling Stone.