A homeowner’s $1 million worth of “optics” left her handcuffed after changing the locks on a squatter’s home in Queens, prompting the New York State Legislature to introduce new measures to protect property owners. A real estate lawyer told FOX News Digital that he was forced to enact strict new laws.
Part of New York’s 2024 state budget agreement, signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday, specifically excludes squatters from tenant protections under state law.
In this language, a squatter is defined as a person who stays on land without the permission of the owner or the owner’s agent. Lawmakers said the language would make it easier for police to intervene in squatter cases and save homeowners from fighting in housing court for months or even years.
Real estate attorney Michael Romer told Fox News Digital that the Brian Rodriguez case has pushed lawmakers “across the finish line” of passing anti-squatter legislation. Rodriguez allegedly robbed and sublet a home in Queens, and when the owner, Adele Andaloro, tried to change the locks, police called and detained him.
Squatter charged with stealing $1 million property, homeowner arrested for changing keys
Adele Andaloro’s home in Flushing, Queens, was allegedly taken over by Brian Rodriguez and a group of squatter subtenants. After changing the locks, Andaloro was taken from the home in handcuffs by police, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office. (Google Maps)
“I think the investigation surrounding this case and the media surrounding this case is what got it over the finish line. That’s what inspired me to take action in the first place,” Romer said.
“If someone de facto squats or occupies or occupies property that does not belong to him and continues to do so for at least 30 days, according to existing law, the squatter is considered a de facto tenant and cannot be forcibly occupied. You’re going to have to step back from the court system,” Romer explained. “What this change to the bill effectively does is change the definition of what a squatter is and no longer gives squatters the right to be a tenant.
“It’s a game changer.”
Rodriguez, 35, pleaded not guilty last week to second-degree robbery, fourth-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree larceny, second-degree criminal trespass and fourth-degree criminal mischief, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office. did.
A Dyker Heights home before it burned down in November. Squatter Chen Chen, who was arrested on charges of arson and criminal mischief, told police that the candle flame was the beginning of hell. (Google Maps)
New York homeowner arrested after confrontation with squatters, claims he illegally occupied $1 million property
On February 29, Rodriguez forced his way back into the home after Andaloro changed the locks and tried to close the door, the office said. Police had no choice but to evict Andaloro from the premises because he claimed to be a legal tenant.
Following media reports, the district attorney’s office began filing charges against the 35-year-old squatter, Romer said. ABC 7 reported that after his arrest, at least four lawmakers drafted legislation to protect homeowners from squatters.
The Queens District Attorney’s Office told Fox News Digital that Andaloro was removed from the property, but no criminal charges have been filed.
Rodriguez’s arrest comes after a series of high-profile break-ins reported by FOX News Digital.
Queen squatter flees million dollar home after feud with homeowner, visit from ‘vigilantes’: report
On November 29, squatters set fire to a house in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, after months of terrorizing the neighborhood. Politicians cited the incident as another sign of the need to close loopholes that enable squatters. (LLN New York)
One of the squatters, Chen Chen, was arrested on suspicion of starting a fire that gutted a home in Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights earlier this year, causing $900,000 in damage, according to the New York Post.
But even after the 67th Street home became uninhabitable, fellow squatters began living in the backyard, neighbors said at a meeting earlier this month.
The left cares about squatters’ rights, putting homeowners like you at risk
Owner Zafar Iqbal, 53, told the New York Post that he feels powerless by the squatters, who “have more rights” than the homeowners. He continues to work on renovating the property, but unwelcome guests keep “coming back.”
“We got a call from the fire department saying the house was burnt down. Someone had broken in there and set the house on fire,” he said. “That’s when I learned that the people living there were squatters. Squatters have more rights than homeowners. I own the house. What more can I do?” Do you need help?”
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Romer told Fox News Digital that he has seen an “increase” in complaints of squatting from clients compared to the first 20 years he practiced real estate law.
State Sen. Jessica Scarcella Spanton said, “No one should go home to find their property seized by squatters, who now have more rights to the property than they do. Noda.
“For too long, my constituents have grappled with the current reality of individuals occupying their spaces illegally without any redress. Week after week, we hear stories of dire scenarios in the news. We’re seeing hard-working homeowners face legal repercussions to rightfully reclaim their property from individuals who have taken it without their consent. please. ”
