Rancho Alvarado Residents Report Squatters Taking Over Vacant Units

Squatters have taken over vacant units at the Rancho Alvarado Apartments, leaving residents to deal with nighttime disturbances and safety concerns, FOX5 reported.

The unauthorized occupancy has caused significant friction between those living in the complex and the property management company. Residents describe a pattern of activity that includes fights, stolen mail, and stolen packages. These issues have escalated into a broader sense of insecurity for the community.

“They do need to be proactive. They need to be on top of it because it’s not … fair to us to have to live with that … fear and … what’s going to happen,” a tenant told FOX5, requesting anonymity due to safety fears.

The situation highlights a growing tension in urban residential management regarding the security of vacant inventory. When empty units remain accessible, they often become focal points for unauthorized activity that spills over into the lives of paying tenants.

Loud groups enter vacant units at night

One resident reported being woken in the middle of the night by loud groups entering and exiting a nearby empty unit. According to the tenant, the individuals appear to follow a specific schedule, leaving before property management arrives in the morning and returning in the evening. The tenant also said that trash is frequently left behind by these groups.

A critical detail emerged regarding the infrastructure of the vacant units. While management policies typically dictate the disconnection of services for unoccupied apartments, this tenant said that the electricity in the unit remains active. The presence of televisions and other personal belongings inside the unit suggests a sustained level of occupancy.

Westland Real Estate Group responds to safety reports

Westland Real Estate Group, the company managing the property, confirmed they are aware of the situation. In a written statement, the company addressed the reports of unauthorized individuals on the premises and outlined their current security protocols.

“Management is aware of reports regarding unauthorized individuals on the property,” the company said. “We take community safety very seriously and have implemented several measures within our control to resolve this issue.”

To prevent entry, Westland stated it secures units using window locks and plywood where necessary. The company also highlighted its investment in live monitoring security cameras and a secured entry gate to protect the community. Regarding the utility issue, the company noted its policy is to shut off utilities as soon as a unit is vacated, but it added that those specific procedures are currently under review.

The management firm also pointed toward local law enforcement as a necessary partner in resolving the crisis. “We are investing time, resources and funding to protect our residents and maintain our communities and we are looking to the city to match that commitment through timely intervention and action,” Westland said.

County enforcement removes squatters from the property

The immediate tension reached a breaking point when county code enforcement was brought into the matter. Following an email request for an investigation, the county visited the property. Residents reported that after this intervention, the squatters were removed from the units.

Despite the recent removal, the community remains on edge. Residents have indicated they will be watching the property closely to see if the unauthorized occupants return or if the security gaps that allowed the occupation are permanently closed.

Westland maintains that it provides a confidential way for residents to report concerns and claims that such reports are addressed immediately upon reaching the management office. The company stated it will continue to use standard community communication channels to provide updates on safety measures.