Current:Home > Finance'Squatters' turn Beverly Hills mansion into party hub. But how? The listing agent explains. -Aspire Money Growth
'Squatters' turn Beverly Hills mansion into party hub. But how? The listing agent explains.
View
Date:2025-04-14 01:42:35
A group of squatters have allegedly taken over a house in Los Angeles' Beverly Hills neighborhood and turned it into a "party house," creating a nuisance by disturbing residents in the area.
The listing agent for the property located at Beverly Grove Place, John Woodward IV, told USA TODAY that the alleged squatters moved into the house in late October and have been living there since. Woodward says that he was appointed by the Los Angeles County Criminal Court to sell the property.
Woodward said that someone went up to the property with a locksmith and changed the locks and code of the huge private gate illegally and then leased it out to several other people. The court-appointed broker said that he called the police as soon as he found out. However, the people in the house produced a "fake lease," to which the police said that it was a "civil matter". The Beverly Hills Police Department said that the location does not come under their jurisdiction and falls under the Los Angeles Police Department, so they cannot comment on the matter. Meanwhile, the LAPD did not immediately respond to USA Today's request for information.
'Squatters' throw wild parties
"The cops have probably been up there no less than 50 times," said Woodward. "They're having crack parties and laughing gas parties and orgies and all sorts of (things) going on up there."
Woodward said that the people living in the mansion have also been renting out rooms, advertising the property as "Beverly Hills Lodge". He said some people have even been arrested from the house on drug and nuisance-related charges, but nothing has deterred its occupants from creating havoc night after night.
"They ran out a rage party every night up there," Woodward said. "Everybody's so upset about the situation."
Squatting in California:Los Angeles Airbnb renter leaves property after 570 days, lawsuits: report
Neighbors fed up
Residents in the neighborhood are miserable with the situation and told ABC News 7 that the squatters have been throwing wild parties, some for which they even charge admission. The local media outlet reported that "condoms and drug paraphernalia" littered the area around the house, located on the border of Beverly Hills and Bel Air.
A resident of the area told ABC7 that the party goers arrive in loud cars, motorcycles and Ubers, often around 2 a.m. in the morning, creating noise and blocking the small one-lane roads.
Fran Solomon, who owns the house next door that she's currently renting out, likened the situation to a "roaming pitbull".
"There's a roaming pit bull with children around," Solomon told ABC7. "There are people drunk and stoned, wobbling, walking in and out, and then driving the canyons. Does someone need to be killed before the police will do something?"
Solomon said that the tenants living in her house have had to hire an armed security guard to protect themselves.
Squatting:Police: Squatters in Nashville arrested, say God told them to stay at million-dollar home
Ownership issues led to alleged squatting
Woodward said that the mess surrounding the sprawling Mediterranean-style estate stem from ownership issues.
The house, which is currently on sale for $4.5 million, was previously owned by an orthopedic surgeon, Munir Uwaydah, who fled to Lebanon after he was accused in the murder and death of 21-year-old model Julianna Redding, with whom he was also reportedly in a relationship with. Uwaydah has also been linked to a health insurance fraud scheme and remains at large, according to a 2015 report by the L.A. Times.
The property, built in 1999, has received multiple offers from prospective buyers, according to Woodward, but the matters regarding its ownership and the ongoing squatter situation have prevented a sale from going through.
Woodward says that he has never seen anything like in his 40+ year career as a broker in Los Angeles.
It is not yet clear who owns the property.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.
veryGood! (31473)
Related
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- Are you wearing the wrong bra size? Here’s how to check.
- Report: Ohio State offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien likely to become Boston College coach
- Taylor Swift Squashes Celine Dion Grammys Snub Rumors With Backstage Picture
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- The Skinny Confidential’s Lauryn Bosstick Talks Valentine’s Day Must-Haves for Your Friends and Family
- These are the largest Black-owned businesses in America
- Taylor Swift announces new album The Tortured Poets Department during Grammys acceptance speech
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Texas mother rescues 2 children, dies trying to save 1-year-old from house fire
Ranking
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Is The Current Hurricane Warning System Outdated?
- Senators release border-Ukraine deal that would allow the president to pause U.S. asylum law and quickly deport migrants
- Taylor Swift announces brand-new album at Grammys: 'Tortured Poets Department'
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- Senators release a $118 billion package that pairs border policies with aid for Ukraine and Israel
- Could cash payments ease recessions?
- Fantasy football meets Taylor Swift in massive 'Swiftball' competition
Recommendation
Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
These Grammy 2024 After-Party Photos Are Pitch Perfect
Beyoncé shies away from limelight, Taylor Swift fangirls: What you didn’t see on TV at the Grammys
These Grammy 2024 After-Party Photos Are Pitch Perfect
From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
Jury to get manslaughter case against Michigan school shooter’s mother
Israeli family on their agonizing Gaza captivity, and why freeing the hostages must be Israel's only mission
Pumping Breastmilk at Work? Here are the Must-Have Items That Can Make It a Little Easier