‘Vigilantes’ try to evict squatters at $1M Queens house after homeowner who confronted them is arrested in tense standoff
A pair of vigilantes allegedly tried to forcefully evict three alleged squatters from a million-dollar Queens home after the homeowner was arrested when she changed the locks and tried to remove them.
Two unidentified men driving a black pickup truck pulled into the driveway of the Flushing home searching for the tenants Tuesday afternoon, according to the Daily Mail.
“We are looking to get this guy out,” one of the men allegedly said, a neighbor told the outlet. “I am here to talk to him. I want to see why he is here.”
Adele Andaloro, 47, was in the process of selling the property when the group shadily took refuge in the home last month.
Andaloro inherited the $1 million property from her parents after they died.
She confronted the trio and changed the locks in hopes they would not be able to re-enter if they left.
However, a male inside the home called the police on Andaloro, who was later arrested.
Neighbors have noticed some concerning activity from the house since the alleged squatters snaked their way into the home.
A 24-year-old college student living next to the home, identified only as Kosta, said she’s been “on edge” since the occupants arrived.
“We all know what they are up to, so we’re all kind of pissed about it,” Kosta told the outlet Tuesday.
The concerned neighbor claimed boards were all over the property and the people occupying the home were “doing construction on the house all night long.”
“I heard a drill and saw through my window that they were drilling holes into the wall and putting up boards,” Kosta said.
“I don’t know if the board is still there, but it looked like they were trying to hide what was inside.”
A woman, who requested to remain anonymous, claimed she saw one of the unethical dwellers carrying a door into the home late one night.
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.
The woman also noted that a “For Sale” sign had been on the property for “a long time” before one person “came out of nowhere” and began living in the home.
Residents of tight-knit Queens Street, which many have called home for over 30 years, expressed that they’re ready to do as much as possible to get the alleged intruders out. Some have even floated the idea of starting a petition in hopes that it will help, according to the Daily Mail.
Andaloro had been living in the home with her daughter and mother until her mom’s death a few years ago.
A beloved community member, Andaloro put the two-story home on the market, but that’s when the tenants got in and brazenly replaced the entire front door and locks.
Before her arrest on Feb. 29 — which was captured by ABC’s “Eyewitness News” — Andaloro faced off with the group in a tense standoff.
The police were eventually called and escorted two people off the property.
With at least three apparent residents still inside, cops told Andaloro she had to sort the saga out in housing court because it was considered a “landlord-tenant issue” before she was arrested.
The home’s owner was charged with unlawful eviction because she had changed the locks and had not provided a new key to the person staying there.
In New York City, a person can claim “squatter’s rights” after just 30 days of living at a property.
Under the law, it is illegal for the homeowner to change the locks, turn off the utilities, or remove the belongings of the “tenants” from the property.
“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,” Andaloro said.
“I’m really fearful that these people are going to get away with stealing my home.”
