A routine foreclosure purchase in Chula Vista turned into a viral headache for longtime realtor Irma Mendez, who says she walked into her newly bought property and found a man living there. Mendez, who has worked in real estate for more than 20 years, told reporters the occupant refused a cash-for-keys offer and left behind spray-painted slurs, torn-out walls and piles of trash. She says it took nearly 10 months before the San Diego County Sheriff's Department removed the alleged squatter and she could finally begin repairs.
What the video shows
In the widely shared clip, Mendez walks through the boarded-up home, pointing out graffiti, damaged drywall and heaps of debris that she says were left by the person staying there. According to her account, the man turned down cash to leave and even put utilities in his own name while relying on homeowners association-covered water. The video and Mendez's description of what she found were reported by NBC San Diego.
Why the case dragged on
Mendez says she had to take the matter to court after the occupant refused to move out, a process she describes as slow and expensive. Legal advocates say that the timeline is not unusual. "That process can take a while, 6-12 months, it just depends on how busy the courts are," said Gilberto Vera of San Diego Legal Aid, as reported by NBC San Diego.
Court backlog and filings
Owners dealing with unauthorized occupants say the situation is even tougher in a court system that is already juggling a high volume of eviction cases. According to San Diego County court records, more than 9,000 unlawful detainer cases were filed in the last fiscal year, as reported by ABC 10News. With that many filings in the pipeline, a crowded docket can leave owners waiting months between submitting a complaint and getting a sheriff-ordered removal.
Aftermath for the buyer
Mendez says she eventually regained possession of the property, repaired the damage and has since rented out the unit, according to local follow-up coverage. Spanish-language reporting noted the video drew widespread attention online and highlighted the case as an example of how court delays can hit property owners who find themselves in similar disputes. Follow-up reporting is available from KSDY Canal 50.
What owners need to know
Legal guidance and county court resources make clear that property owners generally must file an unlawful detainer case if they want to legally regain possession, and that law enforcement typically steps in only after a judge issues an order. The San Diego Superior Court provides landlord and tenant FAQs, along with forms that outline the next steps for both sides in an eviction. For more information, see the court's Landlord/Tenant page at the San Diego Superior Court.
