Viral Video Exposes Squatter's Damage to Chula Vista Property

Landlord's footage shows trash, vandalism left behind after 10-month eviction battle

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:25pm

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A viral video posted by property owner Irma Mendez has shed light on the extensive damage and mess left behind by a squatter who occupied her Chula Vista, California condo for 10 months. The video shows piles of trash, ripped up carpet, and racial slurs written on the walls, with Mendez describing the squatter as "basically destroying the place." Despite the lengthy court process required to evict the trespasser, Mendez has already purchased another property in a similar situation and remodeled the condo after regaining possession.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing issue of squatters occupying properties in the San Diego area, as well as the challenges landlords face in navigating the lengthy and complex legal process to remove them. The viral video has sparked wider discussions about property rights, tenant laws, and the need for reforms to address the rise in squatting incidents.

The details

Mendez, a property owner and real estate broker, purchased the Chula Vista condo sight unseen ahead of a foreclosure situation. She later discovered a squatter had moved in, changed the utilities to his name, and refused to leave even after being taken to court. Despite the squatter eventually being removed by sheriff's deputies, he had left behind extensive damage, including piles of trash, ripped up carpets, and racial slurs written on the walls.

  • Mendez purchased the Chula Vista condo ahead of a foreclosure situation.
  • The squatter moved into the property and changed the utilities to his name.
  • Mendez began the 10-month legal process to evict the squatter.
  • Sheriff's deputies eventually removed the squatter from the property.
  • Mendez has since remodeled the condo and rented it to a new tenant.

The players

Irma Mendez

The property owner and real estate broker who purchased the Chula Vista condo and dealt with the squatter situation.

Seth Barron

The attorney who founded Landlord Solutions San Diego and specializes in cases like this, noting that eviction cases are on the rise in San Diego due to the lengthy court process.

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What they’re saying

“This person just made himself at home. He went in there, put the SDG&E under his name, and his water is paid for under the HOA, so basically he had free housing.”

— Irma Mendez, Property Owner

“He was in there basically destroying the place. Writing on the walls, writing profanity, throwing mice on the wall.”

— Irma Mendez, Property Owner

“Very clearly, squatters don't have rights; they are not tenants, they are criminal trespassers. The issue is the enforcement mechanism there.”

— Seth Barron, Attorney, Landlord Solutions San Diego

What’s next

Mendez has already purchased another property in a similar situation and plans to remodel it after regaining possession. Attorneys like Seth Barron are calling for reforms to address the rise in squatting incidents and streamline the eviction process in San Diego County.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of squatters occupying properties in the San Diego area, as well as the significant challenges landlords face in navigating the lengthy and complex legal process to remove them. The viral video has sparked wider discussions about the need for reforms to better protect property rights and address the rise in squatting incidents.