Oakland’s housing crisis has given rise to an unusual cottage industry: private companies hired to forcibly remove squatters from vacant homes.
Key points from the story:
- ASAP Squatter Removal is run by James Jacobs, who uses surveillance, temporary move-ins, and even melee weapons to oust squatters from properties.
- Landlords frustrated with slow courts and unresponsive police are turning to outfits like ASAP and others in California for quick results.
- Jacobs exploits California’s “castle doctrine” by signing temporary leases, giving him legal grounds to claim the property as his residence and defend it with force.
- Fees range from hundreds of dollars for surveillance to tens of thousands for full removal jobs.
- Critics say these businesses are a symptom of a broken housing system, where vacant units and homelessness collide.
- Landlords, meanwhile, see them as a last resort to protect their property from damage, drug activity, or organized groups occupying homes.
Investor Takeaway: While Arizona landlords don’t face this extreme scenario, it underscores why professional property management matters. Strong tenant screening, quick leasing, and proactive oversight can prevent squatting issues before they ever start.