In an unsettling reality in New York, homeowners find themselves in a precarious position where squatters seemingly have more rights than property owners. The legal landscape allows squatters to move into a residence, and if they manage to stay for 30 days, they gain legal protection against eviction, leaving homeowners powerless in their own properties. This controversial stance has led to a recent high-profile case where a couple’s dream retirement home worth $2 million in Queens has turned into a nightmare.
The occupants, both 68, envisioned a peaceful retirement in their newly purchased Queens home, situated conveniently close to family members and suitable for their disabled son, who has Down syndrome. However, their plans have been disrupted by a squatter claiming an agreement with the previous owner, who hired him as a caretaker until his passing in January 2023.
“It has become a nightmare, a total nightmare,” the husband expressed, highlighting the challenges posed by New York’s laws, allowing squatters to exploit legal ambiguities. This situation has left the couple unable to move into their home even four months after signing the deed.
The wife voiced concerns about her son’s well-being, stating, “I just want to know that I can die tomorrow and he’s next to his brother.” This case underscores the need for a closer examination of New York’s laws surrounding property occupation, as homeowners grapple with the consequences of seemingly skewed legal protections.
The squatter asserts a “license” from the deceased former owner as a basis for his continued occupancy, putting the homeowners in a difficult legal position. As they navigate through this ordeal, it is evident that New York’s laws may need reassessment to better balance the rights of homeowners against the potential misuse of legal protections by squatters.
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In New York, squatters have more rights than home owners. They can move into your home and if they stay for 30 days, they can refuse to leave and it is illegal for the police to even evict them. There’s no recourse and there is nothing you can do about it. You must also pay the… t.co/paB8mhr7Bf
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) February 29, 2024