Man Becomes Homeless After Following ChatGPT’s Advice to Withhold Rent
Klaus, a 60-year-old from Denmark, claims that he became homeless after following ChatGPT’s advice to stop paying his rent. He has now filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, seeking damages and calling for stronger AI safety measures. A verdict is yet to be reached.
Nowadays, people use artificial intelligence (AI) for everything—from studies and work-related tasks to resolving personal problems. But could placing blind trust in the advice of an AI chatbot prove costly?
A case involving a 60-year-old man from Denmark suggests exactly that. The man alleges that following ChatGPT’s advice cost him his home, and he is now engaged in a legal battle against OpenAI.
The Promise of a Multi-Million Dollar Venture
The issue went beyond just advice on rent. The man claims that ChatGPT led him to believe they were collaborating on the development of several AI products, which would supposedly generate billions of dollars in revenue.
Klaus even made plans with the chatbot for a future that included expensive homes, luxury amenities, and the purchase of a villa in Italy. According to the complaint, even when he questioned the reality of these claims, the chatbot allegedly managed to keep him convinced.
Seeking Help from ChatGPT Amid a Dispute with His Landlord
Klaus Elmfelt, a resident of Denmark, turned to ChatGPT for advice in March 2025 regarding a dispute with his landlord. The conflict stemmed from his two pet dogs; the landlord’s property management company wanted him to remove one of them. Meanwhile, the man claimed that the company owed him money.
According to the lawsuit, ChatGPT advised him to withhold his rent, assuring him that doing so would not lead to his eviction. The chatbot reportedly even claimed that it was legally impossible for him to end up homeless. Lawsuit Against OpenAI Following Homelessness
According to the complaint, Klaus was forced to leave his home in June 2026. Following this, he spent nights in the open—in the back of a rented car—along with his two dogs, Charlie and Delta. He is currently staying in a cabin at a campsite in Southern Denmark.
On November 2, he filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in a San Francisco court. He is seeking damages from the company and demanding that it strengthen its AI safety protocols.
What Did OpenAI Say?
Expressing concern regarding the matter, an OpenAI spokesperson stated that the company is working with mental health experts to improve ChatGPT’s responses in sensitive situations. The company emphasized that the chatbot should not be considered a substitute for real-world support or professional care. Claims such as the advice to stop paying rent—along with other incidents mentioned in the lawsuit—are allegations made by the individual and have yet to be verified in court.
Over 41,000 Messages Exchanged
The lawsuit states that over an eight-month period, Klaus engaged in 828 sessions with ChatGPT, exchanging more than 41,000 messages. During this time, he spent at least 641 hours interacting with the chatbot.
