Handyman Devises Simple System to Legally Get Rid of Squatters: ‘This Is My Home Now’
Where was Flash Shelton when I needed him? Had his services been available in 2012, I would have sought his help. Shelton, founder of the United Handyman Association, took matters into his own hands when squatters moved…
Where was Flash Shelton when I needed him? Had his services been available in 2012, I would have sought his help.
Shelton, founder of the United Handyman Association, took matters into his own hands when squatters moved into his mother’s California home. Now, he’s helping others in the same situation.
In March, Shelton explained to Fox News that after his father died, his mother decided to rent her house. When she declined a group of prospective renters, they broke into the house and moved in anyway.
The authorities said they couldn’t do anything. So Shelton let himself in — and stayed.
So annoyed did the squatters become that they quickly moved out. Shelton got his mom’s home back.
This week, he told Fox News that he is now offering his services to other homeowners dealing with squatters. “I can’t go in and remove them, but I can go in and move in with them,” he said.
His message to the uninvited inhabitants? “I don’t know what you’re doing, but this is my home now.”
Shelton said he even installs Ring cameras in every room in the house. “People kind of want to get away as fast as possible,” he said.
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I applaud Shelton, as I know his story well in my own way.
The nightmare cost me thousands of dollars in legal fees and lost revenue. I spent countless nights worrying. My squatter was a professional. Many are.
The squatter claimed to be a downtrodden, newly single mom needing a place to live. Her job checked out, as did her personal references. We signed a lease, and she paid me the necessary deposit and first month’s rent. The home was located in New Jersey. I was living in Connecticut at the time, a few hours away.