Squatters Take Over a Mansion in Los Angeles
John Woodward, a realtor renowned for his celebrity clientele, reported a bizarre incident involving squatters taking over a multi-million dollar mansion located across the street from LeBron James. The property in question, located at 1316 Beverly Grove Place in Beverly Hills, was listed for sale when Woodward received a call from the pool boy informing him of a U-Haul truck and people moving into the mansion. Since the house was not yet sold, Woodward immediately reported the incident to the police, labeling it as an active crime.
The Squatters' Fake Lease
Upon the arrival of the police, the squatters presented a fraudulent lease, which the police accepted as evidence of their legitimacy. Woodward was advised to seek justice through the LA court system, which is notoriously backlogged and biased. According to Woodward, these individuals were professional squatters who were well-versed in the legal loopholes that allowed them to temporarily occupy properties for free.
Party Time for the Squatters
The squatters took full advantage of their temporary abode, turning the quiet, affluent neighborhood into a party hub. They hosted all-night raves, attracting hundreds of people, and allegedly charged entry fees, thereby profiting from the stolen property. Despite the disruption and illegal activities, the police failed to intervene, forcing one neighbor, Fran Solomon, to abandon her dream home.
Eviction of the Squatters
After months of media scrutiny, the squatters were eventually evicted. However, the issue of squatting remains a significant problem, according to Flash Shelton, a handyman and anti-squatting activist from Northern California. Shelton has devised a unique method to deal with squatters, which involves assuming the role of a squatter himself to reclaim the property.
Shelton's Anti-Squatting Strategy
Shelton's strategy was born out of necessity when he discovered squatters in his mother's house in 2019. After learning that the police could not intervene due to the squatters' successful imitation of legitimate tenants, Shelton had his mother sign a lease granting him legal rights to the property. He then moved into the house, set up an alarm system and cameras, and informed the squatters that he was the new tenant. Eventually, the squatters vacated the property.
Helping Vulnerable Seniors
Shelton's story gained widespread attention, leading other homeowners to seek his assistance. He noted that many seniors are particularly vulnerable to squatters who exploit their need for live-in caregivers. Shelton now runs a business that helps homeowners nationwide remove squatters legally and safely.
Advice for Homeowners
Shelton advises homeowners not to turn off utilities, as it could lead to legal complications. He also recommends installing cameras and alarm systems and using locking mailboxes to prevent squatters from accessing mail sent to the property.
Addressing the Root of the Problem
Shelton believes that changes in laws are necessary to protect homeowners and deter squatting. He suggests making squatting a criminal offense rather than a civil one and clearly distinguishing between tenants and squatters. His goal is not to evict those in need but to hold accountable those who exploit legal loopholes.
Bottom Line
The issue of squatting is a complex one, with legal loopholes allowing some individuals to exploit the system at the expense of property owners. Flash Shelton's unique approach to dealing with squatters offers a potential solution, but it also highlights the need for legislative changes to better protect homeowners. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think the current laws are sufficient, or do you agree with Shelton that more stringent measures are needed? Share this article with your friends and sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
