Queens Couple Buys $2M Home for Disabled Son, Discovers Squatter Inside
A Queens couple's retirement dream turned into an ongoing nightmare when they discovered a squatter living in their newly purchased $2 million home. Susana and Joseph Landa, both 68, bought the Douglaston, Queens property in October 2023 to retire close to family and provide a stable environment for their disabled son, Alex, who has Down Syndrome. But their dreams of a peaceful future have been dashed by a former caregiver refusing to leave.
A House Full of Hope – and an Unexpected Occupant
The Landas chose the Douglaston home because it was close to relatives, ensuring Alex could be looked after if something happened to them. For them, it was about securing a safe future for their son, but soon after purchasing the property, they encountered a significant issue: a squatter named Brett Flores, a former caregiver for the home's previous owner. Flores had worked for the deceased prior owner, earning a weekly salary of $3,000 as a live-in caregiver. After the owner's passing, Flores remained in the home, claiming he had a "license" to stay there based on his former relationship with the property.
The legal battles and headaches that followed have made the couple feel helpless and frustrated, as they struggle with New York's challenging laws on tenant rights.
Squatter's Rights and Legal Delays
The Landas quickly learned that removing Flores was not as simple as they hoped. Under New York law, squatters have specific protections, including the right to stay if they have occupied a property for over 30 days, even without a lease or rental agreement. Attempting to enter the property alongside an insurance inspector, the couple was stopped by police, who informed them that they could not evict Flores without going through housing court.
To make matters worse, Flores has consistently delayed legal proceedings. Arriving at court without an attorney on multiple occasions, Flores stalled the eviction process. He further delayed the proceedings by filing for bankruptcy, which placed an automatic stay on any actions the Landas might take to reclaim the property.
The Rising Financial Burden
In addition to being barred from their own home, the Landas have been burdened with all associated costs, including utilities and maintenance. Susana claims Flores has even left windows open around the clock, leading to sky-high heating bills. With the couple footing these expenses while unable to live in the home, their frustration has only grown.
As if matters weren't bad enough, Flores has allegedly rented out rooms in the house online, listing them as "The Prince Room" for $50 a night to various renters. This unauthorized rental activity has left the Landas feeling like their home is being exploited.
"It's very crazy, our system is broken," Susana said, as reported by the New York Post. "I never would imagine we have no rights, no rights at all, nothing, zero."
Attempts at Negotiation Fall Flat
After numerous delays in court, the Landas offered Flores a settlement to leave the property. According to court records, they offered him $140,000, hoping he would take the money and move out. However, Flores rejected the offer, holding out for a larger sum. His attorney argues that Flores needs the money to secure housing for his family and suggests that he will leave once he receives adequate compensation.
Meanwhile, the Landas continue to wait for a resolution, feeling trapped by a legal system they feel favors squatters' rights over their own. According to the New York Post, the situation has left them feeling "completely forgotten," as Joseph put it, describing how powerless they feel as legal delays keep mounting.
Waiting for Justice
The Landas worry the road to reclaiming their home could still be long. Flores' legal team is now considering a jury trial, which could push the case back even further. In the meantime, Susana and Joseph can do little but continue to pay bills and watch as their hopes for a quiet retirement with Alex slip further out of reach.
The Landas' story highlights a troubling loophole in New York's housing laws, where squatters can take advantage of protections meant for tenants. Their plight has drawn attention to the challenges homeowners face in reclaiming their properties from those who exploit legal safeguards. As the court date approaches, the Landas are left with little to do but hope for a favorable outcome, a return to normalcy, and the dream they started with: a safe, family-centered home where they can care for their son.
References: Queens couple buys $2M dream home to care for disabled son, only to find squatter living inside | Update: Man accused of squatting in Queens home faces judge as couple fights to evict him
