Squatters have become increasingly bold in the United States, even going as far as renting out properties using short-term rental services, according to Flash Shelton, known as the “Squatter Hunter.” Shelton, hired by desperate homeowners to remove squatters, mentioned that some squatters are using app-based short-term rental services like Airbnb to gain access to properties and then rent them out for profit. Squatters create new accounts with these services, rent out a property, and then re-list it as if they were the owners. Some squatters have been successful in this scheme, taking over Airbnb properties in cities like Seattle, Woodland Hills, and Brentwood, California.
Airbnb responded by stating that issues like these are rare on their platform and advise users to only book and pay for accommodations through their website, where they have measures in place to protect their community. Shelton explained that squatters often bypass Airbnb’s security measures by booking accommodations through the app and then convincing homeowners to extend their stay off the books. Once homeowners agree to this arrangement, they are released from their contract with the rental platform making it easier for squatters to establish rights to the property. Shelton suggested that Airbnb should take more responsibility for screening their customers to prevent such incidents from happening.
While most squatters in the US overstay leases without payment or move into unoccupied properties, Shelton has encountered a rise in Airbnb squatters. One landlord, Joseph Foresta, sued Airbnb after an individual rented his residence for one night, then took over the apartment as a squatter. The squatter, Lawrence H. Jackson, changed the locks, rented out other apartments in the building, and collected rent from individuals. In another case, a Los Angeles mansion owner battled a Harvard-educated squatter who refused to leave the property for over a year, demanding a $100,000 relocation fee. The squatter eventually left the mansion under a police escort after 570 days without paying rent.
Trespassing is illegal in every state, but laws on handling squatters vary, with most disputes resolved in civil courts. Shelton continues to combat squatters using unique methods, such as moving in with them and telling them they’re on a reality show in the hopes of driving them out. He is fighting for squatters to be treated as criminals and go through criminal court proceedings. He emphasized the need for lawmakers to make changes to better address the issue of squatters invading properties across the US. Despite the challenges posed by both traditional and Airbnb squatters, Shelton remains committed to helping homeowners reclaim their properties from squatters.
