Teen Parties Disrupt Vacant Homes in San Diego
In San Diego County, California, teenagers have been throwing unauthorized parties in vacant houses. An investigation by NBC7 revealed that since August, at least six such events have taken place in homes up for sale or rent, with five of them happening within just 32 days.
These homes, which come with a steep median listing price of $899,999, have reportedly sustained thousands of dollars in damages. Some have experienced serious vandalism, like fireworks being set off and holes burned in walls.
Typically, these parties are promoted on social media, with the location disclosed in private group chats. Teens gather at these vacant properties, often charging an entry fee at the door.
Impact on Home Sellers and Agents
Real estate agent Vanessa Muñoz shared that one of her properties was the site of an illegal party, leading to $7,000 in damages. “I was shocked,” she noted, explaining that while she’s dealt with squatters in her 11 years in the industry, she had never faced a situation involving a party.
She recounted how fireworks were set off inside the home, leaving scorch marks on the walls. “There was a fight in one of the rooms, and a hole was left in the wall,” she said, alluding to the property being in escrow at the time. “We were about to close within a few days, and the owner was obviously upset.”
Another agent, Carla Vidrio, recounted a party on January 30 that attracted over 30 attendees, with a dozen more waiting outside to pay the $10 admission. “They were definitely high school kids,” she remarked, highlighting the youth of the crowd.
Challenges for Law Enforcement
San Diego Police Department Lt. Cesar Jimenez commented that they have seen flyers promoting these illegal parties. “They’re charging a $10 cover at the door, and there’s sometimes a DJ,” he explained, noting that some party organizers scout vacant houses as a means of locating suitable venues.
Jimenez acknowledged that the police have been aware of 15 to 20 similar illegal gatherings over the past year but emphasized the difficulty in making arrests, as identifying those responsible can be challenging.
During a party at Vidrio’s listing, deputies arrived promptly, but no arrests were made. “We can’t really do anything,” she stated, expressing frustration that those attending might not face consequences for being where they shouldn’t be.
Real Estate Agents Staying Vigilant
Muñoz is now actively sharing this concerning trend with her fellow agents, claiming, “I’ve already managed to save three homes from damage.” She’s taken to notifying her clients whenever she spots an illegal party advertised, regardless of the late hour.
For vacant homes, security measures are crucial. “You really want to eliminate that unmonitored feel,” she advised. Installing battery-powered, cloud-based cameras at key entry points is one recommendation she emphasized.
Utilizing two-way audio to inform early arrivals that the police have been called can often deter potential gatherings, she noted.
Legal expert Chad Cummings pointed out that homeowners might be held responsible if harm occurs during these unauthorized events. “Think of listed vacant properties as liabilities, not assets,” he warned, stressing the importance of taking precautions against trespassers.
Failure to secure a property could lead to issues like claims of negligent security or maintaining a nuisance, especially in California, where laws are particularly supportive of those harmed.
