Queens squatter’s lawyer promises big ‘revelation,’ claims new homeowners are not ‘victims’
The attorney for Queens squatter Brett Flores, who is refusing to leave a couple’s $2 million dream mansion, promised a forthcoming “revelation” that would flip the script on the unwanted tenant.
Lawyer Dennis J. O’Sullivan came to the defense of Flores Friday, telling The Post his client is navigating “his own personal issues” and is taking care of his ailing infant.
“We are going to issue a revelation that is going to turn that narrative on its head and the current homeowner is not a victim,” O’Sullivan said, declining to elaborate.
Flores, 32, has claimed that he had an agreement with the Douglaston home’s former owner, who died in January 2023, to remain at the property. And he has for months since it was purchased by Susana and Joseph Landa in Oct. 2023.
The couple, who has still not entered the house, even hired a celebrity security guard to watch over the home until the situation is resolved.
Flores was the 24-hour live-in caretaker of the former homeowner, Bernie, O’Sullivan said. Court documents show the squatter was paid $3,000 per week.
Flores has repeatedly claimed the previous owner gave him a “license” to live in the house, despite the Landas’ legal purchase of the property.
“When Bernie passed away, he stayed in the house after Bernie’s passing,” he said.
Keep up with The Post's coverage of a Queens family's fight to regain their $2 million dream home from squatter Brett Flores
- How Queens squatter Brett Fisher-Flores cozied up to $2M home’s ailing former owner — and never left: source
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- Squatter who refuses to leave $2M NYC home is a model who was once arrested for allegedly assaulting wife
- Queens couple buys $2M dream home to care for disabled son, only to find squatter living inside
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O’Sullivan confirmed that Flores is still occupying the home, although the security guard stationed outside told The Post Friday afternoon he hadn’t seen him outside for some time.
Amid the backlash from the community since his story made headlines, Flores is holding his ground — and working to take care of his ailing baby, his attorney said.
“He’s fine. He’s a tough kid,” O’Sullivan said. “He’s dealing with his own personal issues. His infant son has lung disease so I think he’s focusing more on that.”
O’Sullivan said he’s not sure if the son lives in the home with Flores.
The situation has outraged neighbors — with one man pounding on the house’s front door looking to speak with the squatter.
What you need to know about squatters in New York:
What are squatter’s rights in New York?
Squatters in New York state can claim a legal right to remain on a property without the owner’s permission after 10 years of living there. However, in New York City, a person only needs to be on the property for 30 days to claim squatter’s rights.
Why is it so hard to get rid of a squatter?
Squatters are allowed a wide range of rights once they have established legal occupancy, making it difficult to evict them.
How does someone become a squatter?
Some of the scenarios in which a person becomes a squatter include: a tenant refusing to pay rent, a relative of a former owner refusing to leave the property or even a stranger who entered the property and never left.
According to Manhattan-based law firm Nadel & Ciarlo, squatters must have a reasonable basis for claiming the property belongs to them and must treat the home as if they were an owner — such as doing yard work or making repairs.
How can a property owner get rid of a squatter?
A property owner must first send a 10-day eviction notice and then file a court complaint if the order is ignored. If approved by a judge, the owner can get a summons and have a sheriff evict the squatter.
Why does the law provide squatters with rights?
The law was designed to help prevent long-term tenants from getting evicted. New York City’s law was partially made in response to vacant and abandoned buildings that were becoming a blight on the city.
How can property owners protect themselves from squatters?
Owners should avoid keeping any properties vacant for an extended period of time. They should also make sure the building is secure, has adequate lighting and has surveillance cameras installed.
If a squatter does appear, owners should notify the police quickly before squatter’s rights are established.
“Hey Mr. Flores, it’s your neighbor! It’s your neighbor,” Chuck Corbisiero, 64, shouted while repeatedly knocking on the door.
“Mr. Flores!” he then yelled into the door’s mail slot.
“I was just going to welcome him to the neighborhood, let him know how happy I am to see him,” he sarcastically told The Post.
Another man driving by in his car yelled “Get the squatters out! Get the squatters out!” at the home.
The Landa family was looking forward to moving into the home, which seemed perfect for them. It’s close to relatives and ideal for their son Alex, who has down syndrome.
“I just want to know that I can die tomorrow and he’s next to his brother,” Susana Landa told ABC 7.
Flores has apparently not only been living in the home rent-free, but has been listing rooms in the mansion for rent. Meanwhile, the Landas have also been footing all the bills for the property, including thousands of dollars in utilities.
The couple has been trying to evict Flores, but he’s protected because he’s recently declared bankruptcy. Since buying the home in October, they’ve had five civil court hearings but they have repeatedly held up Flores’ antics – including showing up to a hearing without a lawyer.
A court hearing has been scheduled for April in landlord-tenant court.
