Squatter takes over family’s $3 million New York City dream home

A family who bought their dream home in order to care for their disabled son has been caught in a “nightmare” battle with a squatter.

A New York City couple’s plan to move into a $3 million ($US2 million) dream home to retire in with their disabled son has become a “nightmare” as they battle a squatter who claims he had an agreement with the previous owner.

Susana and Joseph Landa, both 68, purchased the home next to family members in the quiet New York City residential neighbourhood of Douglaston, Queens, in October 2023, ABC 7 reported.

The couple bought the home last year with plans on settling into the property as they enter retirement. Picture: WABC-TV

Close to relatives, the location was perfect for their son Alex, who has Down syndrome and could be easily looked after if something was ever to happen to the couple.

“I just want to know that I can die tomorrow and he’s next to his brother,” Susana Landa told the outlet Wednesday.

The couple, however, has yet to move into the multimillion-dollar home four months after signing the deed as they try to get rid of squatter Brett Flores.

Squatter Brett Flores has been living in the home since the man he was caretaking for died in January 2023. Picture: WABC-TV

“It has become a nightmare, a total nightmare,” Joseph Landa told the outlet Wednesday.

Flores, 32, was hired on a $4600 ($US3000) weekly salary by the former homeowner as his caretaker until the man died in January 2023, court documents obtained by the outlet show.

The squatter claims to have a “license” from the dead former owner to stay in the house.

“We couldn’t believe it, we could not believe it,” Susana said.

Susana Landa said that since buying the home, it’s been a “nightmare” trying to get Flores out. Picture: WABC-TV

Joseph Landa shared that he never had any agreement with Flores that would allow him to stay in the house. Picture: WABC-TV

Flores has also been living in the home since the former owner died, which has caused a major headache while they try to get him out.

It is “unlawful for any person to evict or attempt to evict an occupant of a dwelling unit who has lawfully occupied the dwelling unit for thirty consecutive days or longer,” according to New York squatters’ rights.

The homeowners gave Flores a 10-day notice to leave and then tried to enter the property alongside an insurance inspector, but he called the cops on them.

The couple’s son Alex (right) has Down syndrome, and the home they bought is next to their other son, who could help look after him. Picture: WABC-TV

Even though the Landas never had an agreement with Flores as a tenant, police could not evict the squatter.

“If you have no lease and you’re not paying rent, what is your right?” Joseph said.

Flores has also listed rooms for rent at the property for other people.

An online listing shows Flores advertising “The Prince Room” for $75 ($US50) a night to males, females, couples, families, or students looking for a place to stay at the couple’s home.

The Landas have also been left footing all the bills for the property, including thousands of dollars in utilities.

Most recently, Flores filed for bankruptcy, which automatically allowed him to stay in the home. Picture: WABC-TV

The couple purchased the home next to family members in the quiet New York City residential neighbourhood of Douglaston, Queens, in October 2023. Picture: WABC-TV

Susana Landa claims Flores has been “leaving windows open 24 hours,” which has racked up a hefty heating bill.

“It’s very crazy, our system is broken,” Susana said. “I never would imagine we have no rights, no rights at all, nothing, zero.”

The couple has had five hearings in civil court since they bought the home, but the process keeps getting held up by Flores’ antics.

He showed up for court without a lawyer on Jan. 9, 2024, preventing any legal proceedings.

Most recently, he filed for bankruptcy, which automatically allowed him to stay in the home.

“When a residential tenant files a bankruptcy petition, an automatic stay prevents the landlord from bringing or continuing a case to obtain possession and from enforcing a judgment obtained before the commencement of the bankruptcy case,” according to New York City law.

The purpose is to allow “the debtor a breathing spell from his creditors.”

“It makes me feel completely forgotten in this legal system, unfair, and not able to do anything,” Joseph Landa told the outlet.

The couple are taking Flores to landlord-tenant court in hopes of getting him evicted, but the court hearing is not until April.

This story was published by the New York Post and was reproduced with permission