Man Faces Challenges of Squatter and Dog Attack in His Own LA Rental Property
Property Owner Struggles to Regain Duplex Amid Legal and Safety Challenges
A property owner in Los Angeles claims he has been unable to move into a duplex he purchased nearly a year ago due to a combination of issues involving an unhoused man living in the backyard and a violent dog attack.
The homeowner, who requested anonymity due to his role as a religious leader, expressed frustration over multiple citations issued by the city and the cessation of rent payments by his tenants. He alleges that authorities have failed to assist him in addressing the situation.
Family members shared video footage recorded on April 6 at the property on South Curson Avenue. The video shows a confrontation between the owner’s stepfather, Yehouda Hagouel, and the man living in the backyard. In the footage, the man warns, “You walk up on my dog, you’re going to get bit,” as Hagouel explains he is there to cut the grass under a city order for property maintenance. Moments later, the situation escalates, leading to the dog attacking Hagouel, who later displayed injuries sustained in the incident.
Hagouel stated that he was acting on behalf of his stepson, who bought the duplex in June 2022. Although Los Angeles police and animal services were contacted following the attack, both the man and the dog remained on the property.
The homeowner highlighted that he felt effectively locked out of his own property. He described his situation as distressing, stating, “Everything I had — all my savings.” He also presented documentation from the Los Angeles Housing Department indicating that the living space occupied by the man is classified as an “unapproved dwelling,” lacking essential utilities.
Initially, the property owner attempted to assist tenants in relocating to enable his move into one of the units. He claims that while tenants paid rent at first, they later ceased payments, citing the presence of the individual in the backyard.
He remarked, “The LA Housing supports me, but nobody’s even willing to enforce it.” A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Housing Department clarified that it does not have the authority to remove the individual or the unapproved unit, stating, “Those are actions that must be taken by the lawful property owner.”
The spokesperson noted that if safety is a concern, the situation could fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement: “It now becomes an LAPD issue to remove a dangerous person or situation which causes the property owner to be unable to enter his property.”
While NBC4 approached the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services regarding the dog involved in the attack, further information was not provided. Repeated inquiries made to the Los Angeles Police Department yielded no responses, and the homeowner indicated he has not been contacted by police concerning the matter.
Caught in this challenging predicament, the homeowner has received a city citation concerning dogs on the property but remains unable to move in. “I need a place to live," he expressed, “I’m sleeping in a garage. I need a place to be.”
In a bid to resolve the situation, the homeowner’s attorney has issued a 30-day notice to vacate to the tenants, while the man in the backyard continues to occupy the property. The office of LA City Councilwoman Heather Hutt stated that they are exploring legal options to address the issue. A spokesperson emphasized, “Our office has been working with the Housing Department and the City Attorney’s office to see what we can legally do about this situation.”
