For many homeowners, a vacant home seems harmless. Maybe it's an inherited property waiting for probate. Perhaps it's a home being prepared for sale. It could even be a vacation home that sits empty for weeks at a time.

Unfortunately, vacant homes often attract the wrong kind of attention.

Across San Diego County, reports of squatters occupying vacant homes have become increasingly common. At the same time, another growing concern receives far less attention: teenagers and young adults discovering vacant homes and using them as party houses.

Neither situation is something any homeowner wants to experience.

Although we haven't personally encountered these issues in Jamul, our rural community has many vacant properties, second homes, and homes sitting on large acreage. That combination makes it especially important for homeowners to think ahead. Preventing a problem is far easier than dealing with one after it occurs.

Here's what every property owner should know.

Why Vacant Homes Become Targets

Vacant homes advertise opportunity.

To someone looking for a place to stay illegally, an empty home may appear abandoned.

To teenagers looking for somewhere to gather without supervision, it may look like the perfect location for a weekend party.

Many vacant homes share similar characteristics:

• No vehicles in the driveway
• Overgrown landscaping
• Newspapers or flyers piling up
• No lights on at night
• Curtains permanently closed
• No visible activity for weeks

Criminals are surprisingly observant. Once they determine nobody appears to be living there, the property becomes much more attractive.

The Growing Concern of Squatters

The word "squatter" has received considerable media attention over the past several years.

In most cases, squatters are individuals who enter a vacant property without permission and refuse to leave. While California law does not grant immediate ownership simply by occupying someone else's home, removing unauthorized occupants can become complicated depending on the circumstances.

Some individuals may even attempt to create fake leases or fraudulent rental agreements in an effort to appear as lawful tenants.

Regardless of the situation, removing unauthorized occupants often requires legal action, law enforcement involvement, or court proceedings.

Even after someone leaves, homeowners may face:

• Property damage
• Missing appliances
• Plumbing destruction
• Electrical damage
• Broken windows
• Mold from neglected leaks
• Thousands of dollars in cleanup costs

Insurance coverage can also vary depending on the policy and circumstances.

The Other Problem Nobody Talks About: Party Houses

While squatters make headlines, unauthorized parties inside vacant homes may actually be more common.

Imagine a vacant property sitting on several acres.

No nearby neighbors.

No lights.

No vehicles.

Social media has made it incredibly easy for addresses to spread among teenagers looking for somewhere private.

One gathering can quickly turn into dozens of people.

The consequences can be devastating:

• Broken windows
• Graffiti
• Alcohol damage
• Drug use
• Fires
• Vandalism
• Pools becoming safety hazards
• Broken fences
• Stolen fixtures
• Damage that exceeds tens of thousands of dollars

Even worse, if someone is injured on your property, the legal consequences can become extremely complicated.

Rural Properties Face Unique Challenges

Jamul presents challenges that differ from suburban neighborhoods.

Many homes sit behind gates.

Driveways are long.

Neighbors may not easily see activity.

Some properties cannot be viewed from the road.

While that privacy is one reason people love living here, it also means suspicious activity can go unnoticed longer.

A vacant home tucked behind several acres may not receive another visitor for days—or even weeks.

That gives unauthorized occupants valuable time.

Warning Signs Someone Has Entered Your Property

If your home has been vacant for a while, watch for:

• Tire tracks where none existed before
• Gates left open
• Broken locks
• Lights on unexpectedly
• Trash appearing around the property
• Food containers
• Cigarette butts
• New footprints
• Broken windows
• Missing "For Sale" signs
• Furniture moved
• Water hoses left running
• New extension cords
• Unfamiliar vehicles

Even subtle changes deserve attention.

The Importance of Having Someone Local

One of the best investments you can make isn't a camera.

It's a trusted person.

Whether it's a neighbor, family member, friend, or professional property manager, having someone nearby who can quickly stop by your property is invaluable.

Ask them to:

• Drive by regularly.
• Walk the property occasionally.
• Pick up newspapers and flyers.
• Bring trash cans in.
• Check gates.
• Verify windows remain secure.
• Notify you immediately if anything looks unusual.

Often, simply having someone periodically present discourages unwanted activity.

Don't Rely Only on Security Cameras

Security cameras are excellent tools.

But they aren't enough.

Many homeowners believe cameras alone will solve the problem.

Unfortunately, cameras usually record crimes—they don't prevent them.

Combine cameras with:

• Motion lighting
• Alarm systems
• Smart locks
• Visible security signs
• Regular inspections
• Active neighbors
• Exterior lighting schedules

Multiple layers of security create stronger deterrence.

Keep the Home Looking Occupied

Appearances matter.

Simple steps include:

Turn lights on timers.

Keep landscaping maintained.

Collect mail promptly.

Move trash cans.

Park a trusted vehicle in the driveway occasionally.

Keep blinds in natural positions.

Have someone walk the property.

These small details send an important message:

Someone is paying attention.

Secure Every Entry Point

Before leaving a property vacant, inspect:

• Every exterior door
• Garage doors
• Side gates
• Crawl space entrances
• Basement access
• Windows
• Sliding glass doors

Repair damaged locks immediately.

Replace weak hardware.

Consider reinforcing strike plates with longer screws.

Install quality deadbolts.

Remove Easy Temptations

Don't leave valuables behind.

Items frequently stolen include:

• Appliances
• Copper plumbing
• Air conditioning units
• Power tools
• Riding mowers
• Trailers
• Generators
• Firearms
• Electronics

Empty homes should contain as few valuables as possible.

Monitor Utility Usage

Unexpected changes in utilities can reveal unauthorized occupancy.

Watch for:

Higher water bills

Unexpected electricity use

Gas usage during vacancy

Internet devices connecting unexpectedly

These can sometimes provide the first clue that someone has entered the home.

Check Insurance Coverage

Many homeowners don't realize standard insurance policies may have special conditions for vacant homes.

Some policies reduce coverage after a home has been vacant for a certain number of days.

Others require notification.

Speak with your insurance agent if your property will remain vacant for an extended period.

Homes Listed for Sale Need Extra Attention

As REALTORS®, we often see homes become vacant after sellers move out.

Vacant homes show beautifully—but they also require additional attention.

If your home is on the market:

Keep showing instructions secure.

Don't advertise extended vacations publicly.

Continue regular property visits.

Maintain landscaping.

Verify windows remain locked after every showing.

Ensure lights and security systems work properly.

Neighbors Are One of Your Greatest Assets

Strong communities naturally discourage crime.

If you know your neighbors, they're far more likely to notice unusual activity.

Encourage them to contact you if they observe:

Unknown vehicles parked overnight.

People entering through windows.

Late-night gatherings.

Open gates.

Construction activity you didn't authorize.

Moving trucks arriving unexpectedly.

Many incidents are stopped simply because a neighbor made a phone call.

Technology Makes Monitoring Easier Than Ever

Today's homeowners have access to tools that didn't exist just a few years ago.

Helpful options include:

• Smart doorbell cameras
• Cellular security cameras for rural properties
• Motion-activated floodlights
• Remote alarm monitoring
• Smart locks
• Water leak sensors
• Temperature monitoring
• Remote garage door alerts

Many systems allow homeowners to receive notifications instantly from anywhere.

What To Do If You Notice Suspicious Activity

Never confront unknown individuals yourself.

Instead:

1. Stay at a safe distance.
2. Document what you observe if it can be done safely.
3. Contact law enforcement if you believe a crime is occurring.
4. Notify your property manager or trusted local contact.
5. Preserve any security camera footage.

Your safety should always come first.

Prevention Is Far Less Expensive Than Repairs

The cost of preventing problems is almost always less than repairing the damage afterward.

A few hundred dollars invested in lighting, cameras, landscaping, and regular property checks can potentially save thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars in repairs and legal expenses.

More importantly, it provides peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Living in Jamul offers incredible privacy, beautiful landscapes, and the kind of rural lifestyle many people dream about. That same privacy, however, means vacant properties deserve extra attention.

While we have not personally seen squatters or unauthorized party houses become a widespread issue in Jamul, vacant homes anywhere in San Diego County can attract unwanted attention if they appear neglected or abandoned. Staying proactive today can help reduce the chances of dealing with a costly problem tomorrow.

The best protection is simple: make your property look cared for, secure every entry point, use modern security technology, and most importantly, have someone local who can keep an eye on your home and alert you immediately if something doesn't look right.

Whether your home is vacant for a week, a month, or longer, regular attention is one of the most effective forms of security.

If you're preparing to sell a vacant home in Jamul or anywhere in East County, we'd be happy to share additional strategies we've found effective for helping homeowners protect their property throughout the selling process. Our goal is not only to help you achieve the best possible sale, but also to help ensure your home remains safe and secure until the keys are handed to its new owner.