Flash Shelton Urges Cameras After 7 Squatters Took Over His Mother's Home

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 23

Shelton said the takeover of his mother's vacant house by seven squatters after his father's 2019 death pushed him to become the "Squatter Hunter" and focus on prevention rather than confrontation.
Cameras are his main advice: footage can document forced entry, trigger remote alerts and give police a timeline before unauthorized occupants produce a fake lease and turn the dispute into a civil matter.
Shelton said he reclaimed his mother's home by getting a legitimate lease from her, waiting for the occupants to leave, then reentering with his key and installing cameras and an alarm.
The issue is drawing wider attention: the National Apartment Association said 28 states had enacted anti-squatting laws by July 2026, while 25 more had introduced or considered legislation this year.
Shelton's broader message is to secure vacant homes early—with cameras, backup power, lights, neighbors and mailbox controls—because once someone starts claiming tenant rights, removal gets harder.