Woman Facing Eviction Amid Homeowner Dispute Over Beverly Hills Property Liens
LOS ANGELES – A Beverly Hills woman, Rita Ortiz, who presents herself as a business consultant, was evicted from a home on Wednesday amidst a broader controversy involving multiple homeowners in Los Angeles County. These homeowners claim Ortiz has wrongfully recorded mechanics liens against their properties, seeking millions in alleged unpaid services.
The allegations against Ortiz suggest that she has filed liens against approximately 35 properties, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, for services that homeowners assert were never rendered. Ortiz, however, disputes these claims, alleging that she was the victim of fraud by others.
Homeowners have voiced concerns about the implications of such liens. When a mechanics lien is filed, property owners must go through legal channels to contest it. Many residents are now calling for preventive measures and encouraging the adoption of county property fraud alerts to safeguard against these types of situations.
One affected homeowner recounted his experience: “I visited the house several times to try to gain access. She would not let me into the house. She filed a restraining order against me, and we had to go to court and defend ourselves.”
In a communication with FOX 11, Ortiz denied the allegations of squatting and suggested that her belongings were taken by neighbors. Yet, homeowners assert that the eviction is indicative of ongoing troubling patterns.
Andrea Knowles reported discovering a mechanics lien against her property for nearly $24.64 million, claiming unpaid cleaning services. “We didn’t know her. None of us have ever met her. She’s never been in my home. I’ve never contracted business with her,” Knowles stated.
The homeowner who evicted Ortiz noted that she recorded several liens against his property while residing there, including one for $3 million, also tied to cleaning services. “Somebody can just go in and file this claim, put a lien on your house, and you have to go to court to clear it,” he revealed.
In her text messages, Ortiz contended that the liens were a response to being defrauded by former neighbors, an assertion that the homeowners categorically reject.
Knowles expressed her dismay over the situation, stating, “It feels terrible. You feel powerless that somebody has created a situation on the most valuable thing you own… your home.”
In light of these events, homeowners are advocating for legislative changes to streamline the process and minimize exploitative practices. Additionally, citizens are encouraged to utilize resources like the Los Angeles County property fraud alerts to monitor any changes to their property records.
