In Southern California, the phenomenon of squatters taking over empty residences has stirred significant concern among homeowners. Amidst this growing issue, a unique figure has emerged, affectionately known as “The Squatter Hunter.” At 57, Flash Shelton has taken on the role of protector, assisting property owners in expelling unwanted squatters and advocating for legal reforms to empower homeowners.
Shelton’s personal encounter with squatters began with an unsettling family ordeal in 2019. Following his father’s death, the family home was left unoccupied while on the market. To his dismay, Shelton discovered that squatters had moved in, complete with furnishings. Despite seeking assistance from local law enforcement, he was met with the harsh reality that squatters hold certain legal rights, leaving authorities unable to intervene. Resolute, Shelton took matters into his own hands, ultimately succeeding in reclaiming the property.
This experience galvanized Shelton’s determination to combat the squatting issue head-on, transforming him into the “Squatter Hunter.” His approach is unconventional but effective. Squatters in a Beverly Crest mansion, for instance, turned the property into a raucous party venue. Another group notoriously produced OnlyFans content in a Hollywood Hills home they occupied illegally. Shelton’s tactics to evict such squatters are diverse but centered around asserting his presence within the occupied property and legally solidifying his position as the rightful tenant, creating an untenable environment for squatters and capturing these confrontations on video.
Operating with a blend of tenacity and legality, Shelton established a YouTube channel, documenting his squatter removal operations. Homeowners seeking his services are charged a fee ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, which pales in comparison to the hefty legal costs and time associated with traditional eviction processes. With a background as a handyman and as a bouncer, Shelton is equipped with both practical skills and conflict deescalation techniques. He meticulously plans each operation, working with law enforcement and his team to ensure a smooth execution. While some may view his methods with skepticism, Shelton has equipped himself with a lease in his name and secures the premises, flipping the script on the squatters and forcing them into a position where they must fight to stay.
As “The Squatter Hunter” continues to assist homeowners, his mission extends beyond individual cases. Shelton has launched a Change.org petition advocating for squatting in residential properties to be recognized as a criminal act.
Relevant articles:
– Man devoted to eliminating squatters taking over Southern California homes
– How ‘Squatter Hunter’ gets squatters to leave, CNN, Sat, 16 Mar 2024 14:52:49 GMT
– “The Squatter Hunter” takes aim at illegal tenants across California, CBS News, Thu, 14 Mar 2024 02:32:34 GMT
– Out-squatted: Handyman Flash Shelton will squat with your squatters — until they leave, Los Angeles Times, Tue, 12 Mar 2024 10:00:54 GMT