Flash Shelton, founder of Squatter Hunters, advocates for stricter laws to combat the growing problem of squatting, which inflicts financial and emotional distress not only on homeowners but also on entire communities.
Squatting, the illegal occupation of another person's property, has emerged as a pervasive issue across the nation, leaving homeowners distraught and communities in turmoil. Flash Shelton, founder of Squatter Hunters based in California, has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of squatters on both homeowners and their neighbors.
'Squatter Hunter' Reveals the Plague of Unlawful Residents and Proposes Legal Remedies
Shelton estimates that squatters cost homeowners thousands of dollars in maintenance costs, court fees, and other expenses. However, the financial burden is not the only consequence. Squatters often leave behind a trail of destruction, vandalizing property and creating unsanitary living conditions that can pose health risks to occupants and neighbors alike.
In Murryhill, Texas, a squatter-infested house had become a breeding ground for filth and decay, prompting neighbors to lodge complaints with the city. The property was plagued by graffiti-covered walls, broken plumbing, and mountains of junk, which attracted vermin and raised safety concerns. The situation forced neighbors to modify their daily routines, fearing the criminal activity that plagued the property.
'Squatter Hunter' Reveals the Plague of Unlawful Residents and Proposes Legal Remedies
In another case in Dowagiac, Michigan, squatters took over a family home after the owner's death, creating a public nuisance that terrorized the neighborhood. The squatters engaged in drug use, started fires, and brought in a steady stream of unsavory characters. The neighbors felt unsafe in their own homes and were forced to install surveillance cameras to protect themselves.
Shelton stresses the importance of neighbors looking out for one another and reporting suspicious behavior early on. "In a lot of neighborhoods, people don't know each other," he says. "We're all so busy and no one talks to anyone anymore." By befriending neighbors, communities can form a watchful eye over vacant properties and alert authorities to potential squatting activity.
'Squatter Hunter' Reveals the Plague of Unlawful Residents and Proposes Legal Remedies
For homeowners planning to leave their properties unoccupied, Shelton recommends appointing a trusted person to regularly monitor the property. Empty houses with no visible occupants are prime targets for squatters.
As the problem of squatting continues to escalate, Shelton advocates for stricter laws to deter unlawful occupants and protect homeowners' rights. He believes that current laws favor squatters over homeowners, making it difficult to evict them without a lengthy and costly legal battle. Shelton proposes implementing tougher penalties for squatting, including criminal charges and fines, to discourage this unlawful behavior.
'Squatter Hunter' Reveals the Plague of Unlawful Residents and Proposes Legal Remedies
By raising awareness of the devastating impact of squatting and advocating for legal reforms, Shelton aims to empower homeowners and communities to reclaim their safety, security, and property rights.
