A Malibu real estate agent has raised alarms about the growing issue of squatting after an alleged serial squatter targeted several homeowners in the area for years. Liz Benichou, a local resident and real estate professional, cautioned that this problem may worsen, particularly in light of the recent wildfires in Los Angeles.
Benichou expressed her disbelief over how someone could evade capture in Malibu’s closely-knit community for so long. “It’s a very small, tight-knit area. You think everyone shares your values because you all live a similar lifestyle. This familiarity can create a false sense of security,” she commented.
The alleged squatter, Ellie Mae McNulty, who works as an actor and screenwriter, has reportedly deceived numerous Malibu homeowners over the past decade. According to Benichou, McNulty managed to charm her way into these households before becoming a significant source of distress for the residents.
“It’s astonishing how she has operated for so long without getting caught. There’s a predatory aspect to her charm; she finds vulnerable individuals to exploit,” Benichou noted.
Reports indicate that McNulty first crossed paths with Alden Marin, aged 65, at a beach in Point Dume in 2021. After a friendly meeting, Marin offered her a place to stay while she awaited her new home. However, the brief visit quickly turned into weeks and even months, during which McNulty continually made excuses for her failure to pay rent.
Benichou pointed out that Malibu’s reputation for being a secure community might make it easier for someone like McNulty to fly under the radar. “People here want to believe the best in everyone, which can make them easy targets,” she said.
Marin’s family has accused McNulty of inflicting psychological trauma on him, ultimately leading him to seek care in a medical facility. While he was being treated, McNulty reportedly changed the locks on his home, revealing that Marin was just one of her victims. After legal intervention, a judge ordered McNulty to vacate the premises.
Benichou believes that the issue of squatting might become more prevalent following the wildfires. “Unfortunately, it’s a pattern we see frequently in California. People tend to be very generous and want to help others, which can make them susceptible to such scams,” she explained.
California is widely recognized as being one of the most tenant-friendly states. The state laws provide substantial protections for tenants, meaning that those who occupy a space for just 14 days can potentially claim it as their own if no action is taken to evict them within six months.
According to Benichou, the legal system in California is often not quick to resolve these disputes. “Evictions can sometimes stretch on for months, if not years. Even law enforcement has limitations on how swiftly they can remove someone,” she stated, underlining the challenges that homeowners face.
In her view, the state’s leniency towards tenants is part of a broader issue. “The current laws heavily favor tenants over homeowners, which complicates matters for those trying to uphold property rights,” Benichou added.
Moreover, she indicated that the issue extends beyond squatting. Previous crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic, offered numerous opportunities for individuals to manipulate the housing situation to their advantage. “There were many opportunists who tried to take advantage of emergency measures over COVID. This issue is likely to continue as people exploit situations in the face of natural disasters,” Benichou said.
The recent wildfires have devastated many homes in California. Reports reveal that over 12,000 homes and businesses have been lost, forcing over 100,000 residents to evacuate. In response, state authorities are investigating claims of price gouging against landlords amid this crisis, hoping to protect vulnerable communities.
Benichou stresses the importance of protecting community members while recognizing that not all tenants or landlords act unethically. “There are good tenants and good landlords, but unfortunately, there are also those who seek to take advantage of difficult situations. Unless the laws in California change to offer more protection for homeowners, this will remain a persistent issue,” she concluded.
In light of the ongoing challenges faced by property owners and tenants alike, it seems clear that addressing these legal inadequacies will be vital as California continues to confront its housing crisis.
