Handyman Launches A&E Series After Removing Squatters From Mother's Home

Flash Shelton began helping homeowners after squatters occupied his mother's vacant Northern California home in 2019. He removed the occupants and later posted the story online, which led to additional requests for assistance. Shelton said his priority at the time was caring for his mother. He did not initially plan to address similar cases nationwide.

A&E's docuseries "Squatters" premiered May 12 and features new episodes airing Tuesdays. The program shows Shelton and his team using surveillance, legal notices, and other methods to help homeowners reclaim properties. In one episode, the team built a snake terrarium in a Vancouver, Washington, living room after learning an occupant feared reptiles.

Shelton said the approach aimed to create psychological pressure without violating laws.

Shelton said the distinction between squatters and tenants affects how cases are handled. He noted that some states treat disputes as civil matters rather than immediate criminal trespass cases. New York law previously allowed anyone who remained in a property for 30 days to claim tenant rights.

A 2024 change clarified that squatters are not tenants, though owners are still advised against certain self-help measures. U.S. over the past decade. 1 million in 2023, according to Princeton's Eviction Lab. Shelton said he verifies ownership records and checks for children before intervening.

He stated he avoids cases that would affect minors.