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A California real estate agent, Irma Mendez, faced a shocking situation when she discovered a squatter living in her newly-purchased home in Chula Vista. Mendez, who has over 20 years of experience, bought the property sight-unseen, only to find it occupied by a man who had entered through a window.
The squatter refused to leave, forcing Mendez to endure a 10-month legal battle to reclaim her property. During this time, the squatter caused significant damage, leaving graffiti, trash, and even throwing mice at the walls. Mendez attempted to negotiate with the squatter by offering "cash for keys," but he declined.
Some of the graffiti included profane messages directed at Mendez.
"Oh my gosh, so I walked in and first of all, he said profanities towards me that were pretty bad, I saw he wrote graffiti on the walls and he did a lot of damage," Mendez told KNSD.
Mendez was also financially burdened as the squatter managed to have utilities registered in his name, and the Homeowners Association (HOA) fees covered his water usage. The squatter's presence was documented in a viral video shared by Mendez, showing the extent of the damage and the graffiti left behind.
Legal expert Gilberto Vera from San Diego Legal Aid explained that property owners like Mendez often have limited options, as the court system is their only recourse. The San Diego Superior Court handled over 9,000 unlawful detainer cases in 2025, all overseen by a single judge. This backlog means eviction processes can take between six to 12 months.
After a lengthy court process, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department finally removed the squatter. Mendez has since repaired the property and rented it out. Despite the ordeal, she has already purchased another property in a similar situation, indicating her resilience in the face of adversity.