California officials are intensifying efforts to remove recreational vehicles used as makeshift homes, as the state grapples with a persistent homelessness crisis that has made RVs a common sight on streets and parking lots.

The vehicles have become what officials describe as the most visible manifestation of California's housing shortage, drawing complaints from residents and prompting action from local politicians. RV dwellers report feeling targeted by increased enforcement measures designed to clear the vehicles from public spaces.

The crackdown reflects broader tensions over homelessness solutions, as traditional shelter capacity remains insufficient to meet demand. RVs offer a form of mobile housing for those priced out of conventional rentals, but create conflicts with zoning laws and neighborhood concerns about sanitation and safety.

Similar housing pressures are driving creative arrangements elsewhere, including London, where rising rents have made property guardianship more mainstream. The practice involves residents living in otherwise vacant buildings such as former pubs, offices, and police stations in exchange for security services.

What was once considered an alternative lifestyle choice has become a practical necessity for many renters facing limited affordable options. The arrangements typically offer below-market rates in exchange for maintaining building security and upkeep.

Both situations illustrate how housing affordability challenges are pushing residents toward unconventional living arrangements, whether mobile or temporary, as traditional rental markets become increasingly inaccessible.