A New York City couple’s plan to move into their $2 million dream home to retire with their disabled son turns into a “nightmare” as squatters claim they had an agreement with the previous owner. It became.
Suzana and Joseph Landa, both 68, bought a home next door to their family in a quiet residential neighborhood in Douglaston Queens, New York City in October 2023, ABC 7 report.
This location, close to relatives, was the perfect location for their son Alex, who has Down syndrome, and could easily be taken care of if something were to happen to the couple.
“All I want to know is that I could die tomorrow and he will be next to my brother,” Susana Landa told the outlet on Wednesday.
But four months after signing the lease, the couple still hasn’t moved into their multimillion-dollar home as they try to evict squatter Brett Flores.
“It’s become a nightmare, an absolute nightmare,” homeowner Josefa Landa told the program Wednesday.
Flores, 32, was hired by the former homeowner for $3,000 a week as a caretaker until the man’s death in January 2023, according to court documents obtained by the outlet.
The squatters claim they have a “permit” to stay in the home from the deceased former owner.
“I couldn’t believe it, I couldn’t believe it,” Susana said.
Flores had also been living in the home since the previous owner passed away, and it was causing a huge headache while trying to get Flores out, she said.
According to the law, “It is unlawful for any person to evict or attempt to evict a resident who has lawfully occupied a dwelling unit for more than 30 consecutive days.” New York squatter rights.
The homeowners gave Flores a 10-day eviction notice and attempted to enter the property with an insurance investigator, but Flores called police.
Police were unable to evict the squatters, even though the Landas had no contract with Flores as tenants.
“If you don’t have a lease and haven’t paid rent, what are your rights?” Joseph said.
Flores also lists rooms for rent on the property for others.
According to an online interview, Flores is advertising The Prince Room for $50 a night to men, women, couples, families and students looking for a place to stay in the couple’s home.
The Landas were also responsible for all the property’s bills, including thousands of dollars in utilities.
Susana Landa claims that Flores leaves the windows “open 24 hours a day,” resulting in huge heating bills.
“It’s so crazy. Our system is broken,” Susanna said. “We never think that we have no rights, no rights at all, nothing, zero.”
The couple has had five hearings in civil court since purchasing the home, but the process continues to be stalled by Flores’ antics.
He appeared in court without a lawyer on January 9, 2024, and was barred from any legal proceedings.
Just recently, he filed for bankruptcy and was automatically allowed to stay in his home.
According to New York City, “If a residential tenant files for bankruptcy, the automatic stay prevents the landlord from filing or continuing an action to obtain possession or enforcing any judgment obtained prior to the commencement of the bankruptcy case.” Can not” law.
Its purpose is to allow “debtors to take a breather from creditors.”
“I feel completely forgotten, unfair and unable to do anything in this legal system,” Joseph said. Exit.
The couple is taking Flores to Landlord/Tenant Court to try to evict her, but a court hearing is not scheduled until April.
