Owner Markica Kikić was left in shock after German guests caused a fire in his apartment in Poreč, causing €400,000 in damage. While the fire consumed his home, he claims the guests continued to party, and the Booking platform further disappointed him.
Markica Kikić, owner of an apartment in Poreč, is facing catastrophic damage after guests from Germany caused a fire in his family home. He estimates that nearly the entire apartment was destroyed in the flames, with material losses reaching €400,000. "I am financially ruined for at least the next two years," Kikić stated.
According to the police investigation, the fire broke out in the kitchen while a 44-year-old German national was preparing food. "Due to heat transfer from the stove to the pan, and then to the wooden structure, the fire spread to the rest of the apartment," police reported. As a result, the 44-year-old woman is suspected of the criminal offense of endangering life and property by a generally dangerous act.
The owner returned from the beach to a terrifying scene, but he claims the behavior of the German guests shocked him even more. "They continued with their meal, toasting, raising glasses and bottles. They even got in our way while we were frantically buying hoses to try to put out the fire," Kikić recounted.
Problems with the guests, according to him, began as early as the day after their arrival. "When I tried to warn him, he simply got in my face arrogantly and said he had booked the apartment and could do whatever he wanted in it," the owner added. The German family has since left Poreč, leaving the owner to deal with the consequences alone.
Kikić hoped for help from the platform through which the apartment was booked, but he experienced, as he says, another disappointment. "An hour later, I receive an email from the platform informing me that they have moved the guests to another accommodation, even to the most luxurious hotel, and that I have to pay for their stay," the owner claims.
Booking responded that they are reviewing the details of the case. "We can confirm that we have placed the guest on our blocked users list while the review is ongoing," they stated. Despite this measure, it means little to the owner as he faces enormous damage and an uncertain future.
Lawyer Zvonimir Matić clarified the procedure the owner must now follow to try to obtain compensation. "The most important thing now is to get a proper damage assessment. After that, they will submit a claim to the German national to compensate for the damage. If she does not do so, the owner can file a lawsuit with the competent court in Poreč. It is important that the law is on their side," Matić stated.
While the law provides for the possibility of compensation, renters warn that in practice they rarely feel protected. Hana Matić from the association "Save Small Family Renters" highlights an additional problem the owner will face. "Unfortunately, I fear that our fellow renter will have to pay all lump-sum tax contributions for this year, regardless of the fact that he will no longer be able to work, because the Ministry of Finance has so far shown no understanding," she warned.
Due to the destroyed apartment, Kikić is already certain that this year's tourist season is over for him, and it is questionable whether he will manage to welcome guests next year.
