Two alleged squatters are suing the owner of a duplex after they lounged in an expensive Queens mansion and refused to leave.
The home’s price was listed at $930,000. new york post report Sunday. The paper noted that New York City has “permissive” laws regarding these situations.
Property owner Julia Fruman, who is facing more than $4,000 in legal fees while fighting the case, told the media the situation is unfair and homeowners should be protected by city officials. told.
of post noted that in the five boroughs, squatters have legal protection if they occupy a property for 30 days.
New York City couple sued by squatter for allegedly hijacking $930,000 investor: ‘Totally unreasonable’ https://t.co/gWhJ1GoJwv pic.twitter.com/IyeFUK2PI1
— New York Post (@nypost) March 31, 2024
Social media users shared their opinions on: post Report, 1 person write“So…squatters don’t have the money to pay rent or mortgage…but they can afford a lawyer to sue the homeowners?”
“Democrats, keep voting. Soon you’ll own nothing and be neck deep in debt,” said another user. commented.
Meanwhile, Fruman’s husband, Dennis Kurlyan, said he wants authorities to take action.
Furthermore, he added: there is nothing. We put up a rental property and that was it. Now I’m facing a nightmare. ”
In early March, the couple’s real estate broker, Ejona Baldi, noticed that the locks on the house had been changed after a new tenant was found. She also witnessed a man inside the house. At that point, several men left her home and allegedly threatened her as she tried to call police for help.
The two alleged squatters were identified as Lance Hunt Sr. and Rondy L. Francis, who said they had been in the home since January.
Police then told Baldi and the homeowner that they were not allowed to change the locks on the home. post Article continues:
Hunt Sr. and Francis returned to the property the next day brandishing what they claimed was a rental agreement signed by Baldi. But Fruman and Kurlyand were prepared and presented the officers with ownership documents and a time-stamped video showing the house was vacant, the homeowners told the Post. told.
Police then escorted the men from the property and the owner replaced the locks. Once inside, the couple found their newly renovated home marred by scuffed wood floors, scratches on the walls, and the smell of marijuana pervading the property, with complete neglect from the trespassers. discovered.
Baldi eventually received court documents notifying her of the lawsuit.
The alleged squatters were later given an emergency lockout hearing in court. Kurlyand said the two presented documents that did not appear to be legal.
All involved are currently awaiting another court appearance scheduled for Friday.
The news comes as an elderly couple who wanted to retire and live in their dream home to care for their disabled son are now unable to do so after squatters refuse to vacate their New York City property. Breitbart News reported on this in February.
Additionally, Breitbart News reports that a property owner in Atlanta, Georgia, is working to get his property back from the squatters who occupied it.
To read more articles on squatter issues across the country, click here.
