The couple rented out the property in August 2024, but the arrangement has since turned contentious. A former guest has now accused the homeowners of failing to carry out proper repairs — negligence she claims resulted in a serious injury.
According to reports, Renée Zellweger and her boyfriend Ant Anstead are facing a lawsuit after a woman alleges she was hurt while staying at their rental home in Laguna Beach, California. TMZ reported on Wednesday, February 18, that Tracey Bryn Belland filed the complaint in early February, naming Anstead, 46, as the landlord listed on the rental agreement.
Court documents reportedly state that the incident occurred on August 14, 2024, while Belland was inside the property. She claims that a hazardous condition inside the home directly led to her fall and subsequent injuries.
In the lawsuit, Belland alleges that a hole in the floor had been covered with a thin carpet rather than being properly repaired. According to her account, the uneven surface caused her to trip, resulting in an injury to her right knee. She maintains that the damage was significant enough to require medical treatment and ongoing care.
Zellweger, 56, and Anstead have denied the allegations, asserting that they are not responsible for the incident. The couple reportedly argue that Belland’s fall was the result of her own negligence rather than any unsafe condition within the home.
Legal experts note that cases involving rental properties often hinge on whether the homeowner was aware — or should reasonably have been aware — of a potential hazard. The dispute could center on maintenance records, inspection history, and whether any prior complaints were made about the flooring.
For now, the case remains unresolved, and it is unclear whether the matter will proceed to trial or be settled privately. Neither Zellweger nor Anstead has publicly commented in detail on the lawsuit, and representatives for the couple have remained relatively tight-lipped as proceedings move forward.
