Shocking Heist: Oklahoma Woman’s Tiny Home Stolen — $500 Reward for Clues on Bold Thieves

Monica Badzinski had always dreamed of embracing a minimalist, sustainable lifestyle by living in a tiny home. In 2022, she finally realized that dream when she purchased 10 acres of land in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and moved into a tiny home she had carefully planned for. For Monica, it was not just about owning a house—it was about freedom, sustainability, and creating a future aligned with her values.

Unfortunately, what began as a hopeful journey soon turned into a series of devastating setbacks. Monica says she was only able to live in her tiny home for three months before the inspection company raised major concerns. They informed her that the necessary inspections had not been completed and warned her that the home might not be structurally safe. Faced with these uncertainties, Monica had no choice but to move out for her own safety.

Determined to hold the builders accountable, she reached out to them, hoping they would take responsibility for the incomplete inspections and ensure the house met proper standards. However, her efforts were met with silence, as the builders failed to respond. With no resolution in sight, Monica sought legal advice to determine her next steps.

According to News, legal counsel suggested that Monica might need to sell both the land and the tiny home to recover some of her losses and mitigate further costs. Before she could move forward with that plan, the situation took an even more shocking and heartbreaking turn. Thieves recently stole her entire tiny home right off the property, leaving behind only broken cinder blocks, cut wires, and crushed cables as evidence of the brazen theft.

Now, Monica finds herself in an even more complicated legal and financial battle. What started as a dream of sustainable living has spiraled into a nightmare filled with safety concerns, unresponsive builders, and the complete loss of her home. As she grapples with the theft and the ongoing legal challenges, Monica remains in search of answers, justice, and a way to recover from this devastating series of events.

Monica Badzinski first learned something was wrong when her neighbor made a troubling phone call. He told her the gate to her property—usually locked—was wide open, and her tiny home was nowhere to be seen.

Her neighbor, who has security cameras on his property, recounted what he had witnessed. He said he saw four men arriving at Monica’s property in a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) and a pickup truck. The men appeared to have come prepared, as they used a saw to cut through the lock on her gate. Once inside, they proceeded to the tiny home, cutting the straps securing it and severing the electrical connections. After their preparations, the thieves loaded up the home and drove away, leaving little trace beyond destruction and debris.

News reporter Morgan Martin joined Monica as she revisited the now-empty lot where her dream home once stood. The scene was a heartbreaking sight—what remained was a concrete slab where the house used to sit, cinder blocks that once supported it, broken cables, and cut wires. The emptiness of the lot was a stark reminder of her loss.

Desperate for answers and eager to recover her home, Monica has taken action. She has created fliers to spread the word and is reaching out to her neighbors for any leads or information. To encourage tips, she is offering a $500 reward for anyone who can help identify the thieves or locate the stolen home. Based on what she knows about the vehicles involved, Monica believes the tiny home may still be in the local area. She pointed out that UTVs, which the thieves used, are not typically driven long distances, suggesting the culprits may not have taken the home far.

This theft has added another layer of complexity to an already difficult situation. Monica’s legal battle with the tiny home builders—centered on safety concerns and incomplete inspections—has now become even more challenging. The disappearance of the home complicates evidence, delays the process, and further deepens the frustration and financial strain she is experiencing.

Monica remains determined to uncover the truth, find those responsible, and seek justice for the theft and her ongoing legal issues. For now, she continues her efforts to rally support from the community, hoping someone will come forward with the answers she desperately needs.

While Monica Badzinski has not disclosed the exact cost of her tiny home, she has emphasized that it was a significant investment. According to HomeGuide, a fully assembled, prefabricated large tiny house—ranging in size from 300 to 400 square feet—typically costs between $45,000 and $100,000. This highlights the financial burden Badzinski now faces after the shocking theft.

For tiny homeowners, incidents like this underscore the importance of taking precautions to secure their property and prevent theft. Adding GPS trackers to the home can provide a way to locate it in the event of theft, while installing surveillance cameras and motion-sensor alarms can act as effective deterrents. These security tools not only make it more difficult for thieves to succeed but can also provide crucial evidence to help law enforcement recover the stolen property.

Another critical consideration for tiny homeowners is insurance. Standard homeowners insurance policies generally do not cover tiny homes. For stationary tiny homes—those placed on a permanent foundation—owners would need to purchase a mobile or manufactured home insurance policy. If the tiny home is on wheels and used for travel, recreational vehicle (RV) insurance is the appropriate coverage. These specialized insurance plans are designed to account for the unique risks and mobility of tiny homes, offering protection that standard policies cannot.

However, in Monica Badzinski’s case, her situation is particularly complicated. She had moved out of the tiny home months earlier due to safety concerns after learning that proper inspections had not been completed. This could create challenges with insurance coverage. Many insurance policies impose restrictions on theft claims for properties deemed “unoccupied” or those lacking regular maintenance. A home that sits vacant for an extended period may no longer qualify for full coverage, as insurers see such properties as higher risks for damage or theft.

Adding another layer to her difficulties is the ongoing legal dispute with the builders. The safety concerns surrounding her tiny home and the incomplete inspections may have further complicated her ability to secure proper insurance. If her home was not deemed safe or compliant with necessary building standards, obtaining coverage—or having an active policy honored—could have been extremely difficult.

Badzinski’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for tiny homeowners, highlighting the need for both physical security measures and proper insurance tailored to the unique needs of tiny homes. As the movement toward minimalist and sustainable living grows, owners must take proactive steps to protect their investment and ensure they are adequately covered in the face of unforeseen events.