Handyman Turns the Tables on Suspected Squatters in Northern California
Squatting has become a growing issue in many parts of the United States, leaving homeowners with limited options to remove the uninvited occupants. However, one handyman in Northern California decided to take matters into his own hands when suspected squatters took over his mother’s home.
Flash Shelton, a member of the United Handyman Association, was faced with an unexpected challenge when his father passed away, and his mother could no longer live in their home. After putting the property up for rent, a woman claiming to be a prison guard asked to rent the house. However, she did not have the required funds or credit, and when Shelton learned that a truckload of furniture and other belongings had been delivered to the home, he began to smell trouble.
Despite calling the police, Shelton found himself helpless as the answer he got was not helpful. Law enforcement officials stated that they could not enter the house since it appeared that people were living there, and the only solution was to go through the courts, which could take months or even years. Growing frustrated, Shelton decided to take matters into his own hands and hatch a plan.
Shelton wrote a lease agreement between himself and his mother designating himself as the legal resident of the home. He then loaded guns and his dog into his Jeep and set off for California, arriving at 4 am to find cars in the driveway. Shelton parked down the street and waited until everyone left the house several hours later.
Shelton let himself in using the keys to the house and installed security cameras when two women pulled up to the home. One woman apologized, calling it a “nightmare and beyond.” Shelton warned the women that if they did not remove their belongings by midnight, he would have them hauled away. The alleged squatters missed the deadline, but were gone by three am, according to Shelton.
Shelton’s video detailing his quest to reclaim the California home has gone viral, garnering more than two million views on YouTube. However, he also cautioned against following his lead in a second video, stating that not everyone should walk through the door not knowing what they would find.
Squatting continues to be a growing issue in many parts of the United States, leaving homeowners with limited options to remove the uninvited occupants. However, stories such as Shelton’s offer a glimmer of hope for those struggling with squatters. As Shelton demonstrated, taking the law into your own hands may not always be the wisest option, but it can be an effective last resort.
