A homeowner in New York City was apprehended after attempting to evict a squatter from the family home she inherited.
Adele Andaloro, aged 47, was arrested after taking steps to reclaim her family’s $1 million home, inherited from her deceased parents, according to reports by ABC’s Eyewitness News.
Expressing her frustration, Andaloro stated, “It’s enraging. It’s not fair that I, as the homeowner, have to be going through this.”
The conflict arose when Andaloro began the process of selling the home last month, only to find that squatters had moved in, replacing the front door and locks.
Squatters can claim “squatters rights” after being in a proper for 30 days. Credit: ajcasanova/Getty
Fed up with the situation, Andaloro, accompanied by a local TV crew, visited her family’s home on 160th Street on February 29. There, she enlisted a locksmith to change the locks, sparking a confrontational scene.
Police intervened and escorted two individuals off the property, revealing a legal loophole that allows individuals to claim “squatter’s rights” after just 30 days of residence in New York City.
Andaloro expressed her fear of losing her home, stating, “By the time someone does their investigation, their work, and their job, it will be over 30 days and this man will still be in my home. I’m really fearful that these people are going to get away with stealing my home.”
During the altercation, Andaloro brandished property deeds while confronting one of the occupants, identified as Brian Rodriguez by local media.
According to the New York Post, upon arrival at the residence, a woman inside responded, stating: “I’m not obligated to provide further explanation. You should speak with the individual involved in the business or the person in question, as I am unaware of the details. This matter does not concern me.”
Andaloro was informed by the responding officers that the situation constituted a “landlord-tenant issue,” resulting in her being charged with unlawful eviction for changing the locks without issuing a new key.
Video footage depicted other individuals being escorted away in handcuffs by the police; however, the New York Police Department confirmed to the Post that no additional official arrests were made.
An anonymous neighbor, expressing concern, stated: “It’s her home. I’m relieved it’s gaining attention because it’s shameful.”
The occurrence contributes to a series of controversies in New York City revolving around squatter-related issues.
As previously mentioned, Susana and Joseph Landa, both 68 years old, opted to enlist security assistance to reclaim their $2 million residence in Douglaston, Queens, from a squatter who has adamantly refused to vacate since they completed the purchase in October.
According to the New York Post, a security guard stationed outside the mansion stated: “I am employed by the owner of the house. These individuals are decent people, and it’s regrettable what’s happening.”
The Landas’ choice to enlist security represents their latest effort to regain possession of their property from Flores, who had been the caretaker for the previous owner until his passing in January 2023.
At 32 years old, Flores claims that the former owner provided him with a “license” to inhabit the house, despite the Landas’ legitimate acquisition of the property in October.
