As illegal squatters taking over homes across Southern California grow increasingly common, one man has dedicated his life to fighting those squatters and protecting homeowners.
Known as “The Squatter Hunters,” Flash Shelton, 57, is the man behind the operation focused on helping homeowners clear their properties of squatters while fighting to change laws that protect squatters’ rights.
Shelton’s most recent case was helping an elderly woman who owned a Hollywood Hills home that squatters had taken over.
Recently, squatters took over a Beverly Crest mansion and turned it into a wild party house where hundreds of rowdy guests would show up every night.
In February, another group of squatters took over a Hollywood Hills mansion and used the property to produce OnlyFans content.
Intruders breaking into unoccupied homes and living there illegally has become a growing issue that some homeowners are concerned about.
Authorities said while many squatters may not necessarily be homeless, some are just career criminals mostly looking for an easy living situation.
If Shelton can help it though, these squatters have now met their match. When asked how he would describe his job, Shelton said, “I’d say anti-squatter activist, squatter hunter, squatter remover. Just doing what I have to to help people get their squatters out.”
Shelton’s life mission began in 2019 when his father died and his mother was looking to sell her Northern California home.
While the home was listed on the market, it remained empty during that time. One day, Shelton made a shocking discovery when he walked into the home and discovered seven strangers had moved in, even filling the home with full furnishings.
When Shelton contacted local law enforcement, he was told there was nothing they could do as squatters also had rights. That’s when Shelton decided to take matters into his own hands.
Cell phone video of Shelton confronting the squatters shows the culprits were defensive when asked how they were able to move into the home.
“Squatters sometimes, in many cases, have a fake lease,” Shelton explained. “So the first thing I did was I had my mom write a lease in my name.”
He then waited for an open window when he knew the squatters had left the home for the day.
“I went in and put up cameras, and secured the back door that had been broken into,” Shelton recalled.
He then moved all of the squatters’ furniture and belongings into the driveway. When they returned to the home, he explained the situation to them, that they did not have a legitimate lease and that once he locked the home up and left, they would not be able to re-enter the property.
Following this successful operation, Shelton said he found a new calling, becoming the “Squatter Hunter” and devoted his time to helping other homeowners who may be stuck in a similar situation.
He runs a YouTube channel documenting his various operations of removing squatters. Homeowners can contact him and for a fee, he’ll help remove any squatters.
Shelton said he typically works with law enforcement and his own team and will research every case to assess the threat before confronting the perpetrators.
Shelton’s crew may arm themselves with weapons for self-protection and will arrive with proof of the home’s authentic lease so they can legally claim the property back.
For homeowners who have dealt with an actual squatter, the process of removing them can be difficult and costly, Shelton said. The process could take weeks, months or even years and may require costly legal fees.
Shelton said he charges his clients anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the case. He said his fees are a more affordable price to pay compared to attorneys who may charge upwards of $130,000 with no guarantee of actually removing the squatters.
As Shelton continues his crusade of helping homeowners in the fight against squatters, he said he’s also working to change local laws concerning squatters’ rights so that homeowners can be more empowered.
Shelton has started a Change.org petition that aims to make squatting in residential homes a criminal act.