Happy Saturday, Housing Heroes!

Let’s talk about one of the worst nightmares for California landlords: squatters.

Yep - the word alone makes most property owners cringe. We’ve dealt with it firsthand at Good Life, and let me tell you: once a squatter’s inside, getting them out can be a slow, expensive mess.

So here’s your game plan to protect your property - and what to do if squatters have already made themselves at home.

What Is a Squatter (and Why Should You Care)?

First, a quick definition:

That’s why prevention is everything.

How Squatters Choose Their Targets

• Overgrown landscaping
• No cars in the driveway
• Piled-up mail or packages
• No lights at night
• Easy access through windows or back doors

They’re not looking for a fight - they’re looking for low-risk entry.

Pro Tip: A Ring camera on the front and back doors deters entry and provides critical evidence if needed.

Your Squatter Prevention Checklist

• Lock Everything Down: Doors, windows, garage, side gates. Triple-check.
• Keep It Lit: Motion-sensor lights or timer-based lights work wonders.
• Maintain the Property: Lawn mowed, mail collected, trash bins in use.
• Visit Weekly: Or have someone you trust do it. Even quick check-ins make a big difference.
• Loop in the Neighbors: A watchful neighbor is your best early-warning system.
• Post “No Trespassing” Signs: They provide legal backup and show you’re not messing around.
• Keep It Occupied: The ultimate solution to squatting? No vacancy. If the market’s soft, consider holding steady on rent or adding tenant perks to keep turnover low.

If You Discover a Squatter, Do This:

• Call the Police Immediately: Stay on-site. Show proof of ownership and any forced entry.
• File a Forcible Unlawful Detainer: This puts legal eviction proceedings in motion — don’t wait.
• Consider Cash for Keys: We get it - it feels wrong. But offering a few hundred bucks to move out today can be way cheaper than months of court battles. The key here is speed.

A Word of Caution:

Avoid “squatter removal services.” Many operate in legal gray zones, and using them could open you up to even more legal trouble.

On the Horizon: AB 897

There’s hope. A new bill AB 897 could finally give housing providers more power. It would:

• Create a process for arresting squatters
• Require squatters to prove they have a legal right to be there
• Clearly define squatting as illegal

Support it! Contact your local rep and let them know landlords need protection, too.

🎥 Squatter-Proof Your Property: Prevention + Legal Steps

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🛡️ Announcing the Good Life Promise

We’re proud to introduce the Good Life Promise, a new standard of protection now included with every lease Good Life manages across San Diego, Orange County, and Riverside. This promise is more than just words. It’s a commitment to delivering real value and peace of mind for rental property owners, backed by over $10,000 in tangible protection: Up to $3,500 in coverage for tenant-caused damage or their approved pet (above the security deposit) Up to $3,000 in legal fees related to evictions Releasing support if a tenant breaks their lease within the first year A six-month money-back guarantee on management services Fraud and risk prevention through rigorous screening and payment systems No long-term commitments, stay because you want to, not because you have to The Good Life Promise reflects our commitment to raising the bar in property management — providing our clients with greater protection, flexibility, and confidence. 📍 Currently serving: San Diego, Orange County, and Riverside Schedule a call to Learn More

Take 2 Minutes to Protect Your Property Rights! Click below to tell your Assemblymember to vote NO on AB 1248 before it’s too late. This bill threatens your ability to manage utilities, charge fair fees, and comply with existing rent control laws. Learn More

Steve Welty CEO @ Good Life Property Management DRE #01744610 ​​​​

5252 Balboa Ave #704, San Diego, California 92117
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