What Is Illegal Lodging?

If the individual is sleeping or setting up camp on the property and the property owner, agent, or representative did not authorize them to be there, an illegal lodging violation exists. 

Section 647E of the California Penal Code states that to prosecute under this section the criteria is anyone:

  1.  Who lodges in any building, structure, vehicle, or place, whether public or private, without the permission of the owner or person entitled to the possession or in control of it.

Regular law enforcement interaction is often not realistic, but scheduling periodic meeting with tenants and law enforcement can be helpful to discuss preventive solutions and education towards long term solutions. These solutions include organizations which track homeless individuals to help solve their situations, which may connect them with community outreach programs.

Properties That Can File An Illegal Lodging Form

  • Properties that are closed to the general public at all times. For example, undeveloped land and/or vacant commercial properties.
  • Commercial properties that are closed during certain hours can file an Illegal Lodging Form limited to the hours when the business is closed.
  • Vacant residential properties. This is a single family residence (private home) only.

Do You Think Your Property Is Eligible For Enforcement?

Click here to file an Illegal Lodging Enforcement Letter or for more information call Samantha Tackett at (619) 441-5526.