Cleanup of Vacant Studio City Single Family Home: Remediating Aftermath of Homeless Occupying Residence

Laurel is a resident of Texas who recently purchased a home in Studio City. The Studio City home had been vacant for some time and became attractive to homeless people. Laurel reached out to Echo Bear for assistance cleaning up the residence after its “use” from time to time by unhoused people.

Fortunately, in this case, the individuals who squatted in the vacant property did not cause a great deal of damage or leave a tremendous amount of trash and other waste materials in the house. This is somewhat an exception to what is often seen in a vacant home or other property that ends up used by homeless individuals. 

In addition to retaining Eco Bear to provide comprehensive cleaning services, Laural also enhanced security at the premises, including cameras, to prevent a repeat of this type of activity. The reality is that if homeless individuals should again enter the property, Laurel might not experience relatively minimal property damage, trash, and waste. It is essential to understand what happens in many instances when homeless people enter and end up staying in a vacant property. 

Damages Often Sustained by Residences Occupied by Homeless Squatters

As noted previously, the cleanup associated with the Studio City residence remediated by Eco Bear was not as significant as often seen when homeless people occupy vacant homes. The most frequently occurring issues sustained to dwellings occupied by homeless squatters include:

1. Breaking windows or doors to gain entry: Homeless people may break windows or doors to enter a vacant property. This can cause significant damage to the property and make it more vulnerable to weather conditions, theft, and vandalism.
2. Using fire to stay warm can cause structural damage: In cold weather, homeless people may start a fire inside the vacant property to keep warm. This can cause structural damage to the property and put neighboring buildings at risk of catching fire.
3. Blocking vents or chimneys with debris, which can cause carbon monoxide buildup: Homeless people may block vents or chimneys with debris, which can cause carbon monoxide buildup inside the property. This can be dangerous for anyone entering the property and cause serious health problems or death.
4. Graffiti and other vandalism: Homeless people may vandalize a vacant property by spray-painting graffiti on the walls or breaking windows. This can decrease the property value and make it more difficult to sell or rent.
5. Theft of appliances or fixtures: Homeless people may steal appliances or fixtures from a vacant property, such as refrigerators, stoves, or light fixtures. This can cause significant financial losses for the property owner and make selling or renting the property more difficult.
6. Damaging plumbing or electrical systems: Homeless people may damage the plumbing or electrical systems in a vacant property, which can cause leaks, flooding, or electrical fires. This can be costly to repair and can make the property less attractive to potential buyers or renters.
7. Creating makeshift toilets can cause sanitation issues and water damage: Homeless people may create makeshift toilets inside vacant properties, which can cause sanitation issues and water damage. This can be difficult and expensive to repair, making the property less attractive to potential buyers or renters.
8. Leaving behind trash and debris: Homeless people may leave behind trash and debris inside a vacant property, which can attract pests and cause health hazards. This can also be costly to clean up and can make the property less attractive to potential buyers or renters.
9. Damage to walls and floors due to rough living conditions: Homeless people may cause damage to walls and floors due to rough living conditions, such as dragging heavy objects or creating makeshift beds. This can be costly to repair and can make the property less attractive to potential buyers or renters.
10. Removing floorboards or ceiling panels to access hidden areas: Homeless people may remove floorboards or ceiling panels to access hidden areas inside a vacant property. This can cause damage to the property and make it more difficult to sell or rent.
11. Tearing out insulation for bedding or other uses: Homeless people may tear out insulation inside a vacant property for bedding or other uses. This can cause damage to the property and make it less energy-efficient.
12. Altering or damaging the roof to create a makeshift shelter: Homeless people may alter or damage the roof of a vacant property to create a makeshift shelter. This can cause significant damage to the property and put neighboring buildings at risk of damage or collapse.
13. Stripping wires or cables for scrap metal: Homeless people may strip wires or cables inside a vacant property for scrap metal. This can cause damage to the property and make it less attractive to potential buyers or renters.
14. Damaging or stealing outdoor equipment, such as air conditioning units or fencing: Homeless people may damage or steal outdoor equipment, such as air conditioning units or fencing, from a vacant property. This can cause significant financial losses for the property owner and make it more difficult to sell or rent the property.
15. Creating fire hazards by using candles, stoves, or other heating sources: Homeless people may create fire hazards inside a vacant property by using candles, stoves, or other heating sources. This can cause significant damage to the property and put neighboring buildings at risk of catching fire.

In the final analysis, every homeless-related cleanup job is different. Therefore, a reputable company will provide a reliable estimate of what expenses are estimated for a specific project. In addition, a reputable provider of cleanup services sets a payment due date after the job is completed and inspected by the client.