Family Discovers Person Living Under Their House and Using Their Electricity After Hearing Strange Noises

In a startling discovery, a family in Hemet, California, has come to terms with the unsettling revelation that an intruder had made a hidden basement beneath their rental home their living quarters. This shocking incident raises significant questions about safety and oversight in rental properties.

Charnita Matthews, who began renting the property with her husband and four children in May, first suspected abnormal activities when she consistently heard strange sounds around their home. Alarm bells rang when unusual alarms and the slamming of doors echoed from areas of the property where no one was present, hinting that something was not quite right.

In a bid to investigate the disturbances, Matthews’ husband, along with her brother-in-law, Dangelo Phillips, decided to trace the unsettling noises that emanated from the backyard. Their search led them to a concealed basement, where they encountered numerous belongings that indicated someone had been living there. Among the items were a fan, various cleaning products, and a tarp, alongside what Phillips described as a black tube that appeared to contain drugs. Disturbingly, they discovered that the individual had also been accessing the home’s electricity, evidenced by the fan found plugged into the wall.

After this alarming find, the Matthews family promptly alerted the Hemet Police Department. Officers responded by instructing the family to keep watch on the area and report any sightings of individuals lingering within the basement. Since they removed a makeshift wooden board that previously concealed the entrance, Matthews has not seen anyone return to the space, but the sense of unease remains.

Expressing her anxiety, Matthews said, “I’m scared to be here alone,” emphasising her worries for her children, particularly as her husband travels for work. She voiced frustration regarding the rental management company, Pro Management, highlighting that she was not informed about the existence of the basement prior to moving in.

While Matthews expressed disappointment with how the incident was handled, Pro Management has responded by asserting that they were unaware of anyone living in the basement. Representatives from the company stated that a walkthrough of the property had taken place with code enforcement personnel before the Matthews family moved in, revealing no signs of unauthorised occupancy.

The situation has prompted Pro Management to reach out to the Matthews family and initiate an investigation. However, Matthews reported that she has yet to receive a satisfactory response from the management following her report of the incident.

As the investigation unfolds, this incident has stirred concerns in the local community regarding the safety and security of rental properties. It raises broader questions about the responsibilities of landlords and property management companies in ensuring tenants are protected from unexpected dangers.

For the Matthews family, the unsettling experience has been a source of ongoing anxiety, particularly for a household with young children. As they navigate this unsettling chapter, they are focused on regaining their sense of security in their home environment.

This incident serves as a reminder of the potential vulnerabilities renters may face, and highlights the essential need for clear communication between tenants and property management. As they continue to seek answers, the Matthews family hopes for a resolution that ensures their home remains safe and secure for their children.