A squatter lives a life of luxury in a $2 million dream home of a couple who wanted to live with their disabled son, turning it into a personal haven. I understand.
Susanna and Joseph Landa, both 68, envisioned a quiet retirement in the three-bedroom sanctuary they recently purchased for $2 million in Queens, New York.
Little did they know that their Shore Road property would become a battleground with squatter Brett Flores, causing distress to the legal owner.
Images obtained by the Post reveal the home’s interior, which includes a charming bay window, hardwood floors, skylights and vaulted ceilings. Additionally, this home offers waterfront views of Little Neck Bay.
Over 3,100 square feet, it features a grand entryway, three fireplaces, and a large renovated kitchen.
The primary suite has a private bathroom with a soaking tub and rain shower. Outdoor amenities include a spacious patio and private rooftop deck.
It seems like there was a lot to look forward to. But the family’s joy turned to despair as Flores appeared to have commandeered the house and was living on the premises.
Months after signing the deed to their home, the Landa family remains locked out.
For the Landa family, this home was more than just a sanctuary. It was a necessity for his son Alex, who has Down syndrome and needs special care.
The home’s proximity to relatives guaranteed peace of mind, not to mention the future of Alex being safe near his family.
“All I want to know is that he could die tomorrow and he will be next to his brother,” Suzana said. ABC7.
“It’s become a nightmare, an absolute nightmare,” Joseph added.
Flores, 32, once worked as a caretaker for a former homeowner, earning the equivalent of $3,000 a week until the owner’s death in January 2023, according to court documents.
Flores now claims he has a “permit” to occupy the mansion from the previous owner.
“I couldn’t believe it, I couldn’t believe it,” Susana told the outlet.
Despite the lack of a formal lease or rental agreement, Ms. Flores took advantage of New York’s squatter’s rights law, which protects residents who lawfully reside in a residence for more than 30 consecutive days, to occupy the property. .
Efforts by the Landa to reclaim their sanctuary have hit a wall, and Flores has successfully avoided eviction. Police intervention also failed.
The homeowners gave Flores a 10-day eviction notice and attempted to enter the property with an insurance investigator, but Flores called police.
“If you don’t have a lease and haven’t paid rent, what are your rights?” Joseph said.
Flores is also advertising rooms for rent on the property.
Mr. Flores sells $50-a-night accommodations under the nickname “Prince Rooms,” exacerbating the couple’s financial woes as they cover utilities and maintenance costs.
Susana also detailed Flores’ neglect of their property, including leaving windows open 24 hours a day and charging exorbitant heating bills.
“It’s so crazy. Our system is broken,” Susanna said. “I never imagined that we would have no rights, no rights at all, nothing, zero.”
Just recently, Flores filed for bankruptcy and was allowed to remain in her home.
“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 action,” the agency said. states. New York City Law.
“I feel completely forgotten and unfair in this legal system and unable to do anything,” Joseph said.
A court hearing is scheduled for April.
