Eviction, Police Passivity Plague San Antonio Homeowners as Squatter Causes Uproar
After enduring a distressing two-month ordeal, a Texas couple has finally evicted a contractor-turned-squatter from their newly purchased home. Yudith Matthews and Abram Mendez expressed relief that the squatter has vacated their property, but they also voiced frustration over the legal process and perceived indifference from law enforcement. The squatter, an individual in his forties who the couple hired to do some work, took advantage of the situation and refused to leave, causing significant damage and disruption.
Prolonged Battle Against Entitled Squatter
Matthews and Mendez had been eagerly awaiting their move into the seven-bedroom, three-bathroom home in San Antonio. However, their plans were derailed when the contractor they hired to make some minor repairs overstayed his welcome. Despite completing little to none of the agreed-upon work, the man refused to leave the property, claiming he had a right to be there. The homeowners’ pleas to the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) were met with apathy, as officers cited the squatter’s rights and refused to intervene.
Financial and Emotional Burden
The couple’s experience with the squatter has taken a heavy toll on them both financially and emotionally. They estimate they have incurred approximately ,000 in damages, utilities, and court fees. The squatter’s actions have caused extensive damage to the home, including broken plumbing, destroyed cabinetry, and urine stains throughout the house. The emotional stress of dealing with the situation has also been immense, with Matthews describing feeling “powerless” and “concerned” for her family’s safety.
Squatter’s Calculated Destruction
The homeowners described the squatter’s behavior as malicious and vengeful. He allegedly used the time he spent unlawfully occupying the house to inflict significant damage. In addition to destroying appliances and fixtures, the squatter intentionally turned off the freezer, causing meat and frozen items to spoil. He also installed a blender that he left running throughout the day to create noise and discomfort.
Police Response: Fee-Oriented and Ineffective
Matthews and Mendez repeatedly called the SAPD for assistance, but their pleas were largely ignored. Officers who responded to their calls often dismissed their concerns, citing the squatter’s supposed rights. The couple alleges that at one point, an officer kicked a knife the squatter had flashed at them into a corner, telling him he had a right to the weapon as a tenant. The homeowners also felt that the police were more interested in generating revenue through fines and fees than in actually helping them resolve the situation.
Legal Hurdles and Financial Drain
The legal process of evicting the squatter proved to be arduous and costly. The couple had to navigate multiple court appearances and pay various fees, including 0 for a writ of possession, a document that allows a property owner to post an eviction notice on their door. The squatter’s attorney further complicated the process by filing an appeal, which could have potentially prolonged the couple’s ordeal.
Law Enforcement’s “Tied Hands”
Officer Ricardo Guzman of the SAPD explained that law enforcement’s hands are often tied in situations involving squatters. He cited the Texas Property Code, which gives squatters certain rights once they have occupied a property for a predetermined period of time. Guzman emphasized that police cannot simply remove squatters from a property; instead, the property owner must initiate an eviction process.
Calls for Reform and Protection of Homeowners
Yudith Matthews and Abram Mendez’s experience highlights the urgent need for reforms to protect homeowners from squatters. They believe that the current laws give squatters too many rights and make it difficult for property owners to regain possession of their homes. The couple is calling on lawmakers to address this issue and ensure that homeowners are not left feeling helpless in the face of unwanted occupants.
