A California homeowner says her investment property turned into a legal nightmare after squatters allegedly took over the home, damaged it, and left behind a racist message after finally being removed.
Irma Mendez said she bought the foreclosed property without seeing the inside, knowing it had been boarded up.
What she did not expect, she says, was a 10-month legal fight to remove someone she claims had no right to be there.
After the eviction process was completed, Mendez says she discovered the home had been heavily damaged.
Most shocking, she says someone wrote a racist message on the wall that read “COME GET ME…” followed by a slur targeting Hispanic people.
The situation has drawn attention online as another example in the ongoing debate about squatter laws in California.
According to Mendez, the alleged squatter had fully moved into the property, even transferring utilities into his own name.
She claimed electricity was set up through San Diego Gas & Electric, while water was reportedly covered through the homeowners association, allowing the occupant to live there with minimal expenses during the legal process.
Mendez also said the individual appeared in court attempting to delay the eviction and remain in the home longer.
Squatter disputes have become increasingly controversial as courts deal with large numbers of eviction cases.
Property rights advocates argue the process can be slow and expensive for legal owners, while tenant protection groups say the laws exist to prevent unlawful removals and protect occupants from illegal evictions.
Legal experts note that so-called “squatter’s rights” usually refer to adverse possession or tenant protection procedures, which vary widely depending on state law and often require court involvement before removal.
For Mendez, the experience has become a warning story for other property buyers, especially those purchasing foreclosed homes without inspections.
As housing pressures continue and foreclosure purchases remain common, conflicts between property owners and unauthorized occupants are likely to remain a flashpoint issue.