A homeowner in Flushing, Queens, found herself in a legal tangle after squatters took over her $1.2 million property, leading to her arrest when she attempted to reclaim her residence.
Adele Andaloro, who inherited the house from her family and had it up for sale, discovered that squatters had unlawfully occupied the property in February, reported WABC.
Under New York City law, squatters are considered tenants after residing in a property for 30 days.
When Andaloro visited her home with a news crew, she encountered a woman exiting the premises who hastily left upon seeing the cameras.
Upon entering her home with her property deed, she encountered two men inside, one of whom was asleep.
After confronting the occupants, one man claimed to have moved in recently, leading to his arrest by the police.
Despite being warned by authorities, Andaloro proceeded to change the locks, adamant about reclaiming her property.
Video footage captured a tense confrontation between Andaloro and one of the alleged squatters, identified as Brian Rodriguez, who claimed tenancy and refused to leave.
Police informed Andaloro that eviction proceedings must go through the housing court system.
However, Andaloro’s actions led to her arrest for unlawful eviction.
New York law prohibits homeowners from changing locks on tenants, removing their possessions, or shutting off utilities without due process.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, a neighbor expressed concern over the squatters’ activities, alleging unauthorized construction work inside the property.
Community members have discussed various strategies to address the issue, including creating a petition.
Recently, two individuals arrived at the scene to confront the squatters, expressing their determination to resolve the situation.
Despite the challenges, Andaloro remains steadfast in her efforts to regain control of her home.
The incident underscores the complexities surrounding property rights and tenant protections, highlighting the legal hurdles faced by homeowners dealing with squatting situations in New York City.
