NYC Homeowner Arrested Amid Squatter Standoff

New York City homeowner Adele Andaloro, 47, finds herself in a legal mess after attempting to reclaim her family home from squatters. The Queens resident recently inherited the property reportedly worth at least $1 million after her parents passed away.  

The situation escalated last month when Andaloro, in an effort to sell the property, realized it had been occupied without her consent. She moved quickly to address the situation by hiring a locksmith company to change the locks. Andaloro was soon in handcuffs after an altercation with the squatters ensued. New York’s liberal housing laws provide that after 30 days, a trespasser can assert “squatter’s rights,” throwing up a roadblock against Andaloro’s effort to protect her legally owned property.

“It’s enraging,” Andaloro expressed to local media, highlighting the frustration many property owners feel when facing squatters. “It’s not fair that I, as the homeowner, have to go through this.”

NYC homeowner arrested after standoff with squatters she says illegally took over her $1 million property https://t.co/WcMhL9KbW6

— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 19, 2024

The situation took a dramatic turn when Brian Rodriguez, a man claiming to be legally residing in the property, forcefully re-entered the home after Andaloro changed the locks. Caught on camera, the confrontation raised questions about the rights of property owners versus those of occupants claiming residency without clear legal grounds.

‘Vigilantes’ try to evict squatters at $1M Queens house after homeowner who confronted them is arrested in tense standoff https://t.co/UTasDBjKyK pic.twitter.com/SAkJgsF7Bj

— New York Post (@nypost) March 20, 2024

New York City law places the burden on homeowners, making it illegal to change locks, cut off utilities, or remove belongings without following a legal eviction process. This has left Andaloro and others in similar situations feeling powerless and fearing the loss of their property.

Authorities directed Andaloro to resolve the matter through housing court, labeling it a “landlord-tenant issue.” However, with the backlog of cases in the city’s courts, especially post-COVID, this is easier said than done. New York-based attorney Alan J. Goldberg notes the city has seen a 40 to 50% increase in similar cases, underscoring a systemic problem that leaves homeowners vulnerable.

The cops didn't do it. Go after the jackasses who made the laws.

— Left Brained Ham Sandwich (@uhohspag00) March 20, 2024

The case of Adele Andaloro raises significant concerns about property rights and the efficiency of the legal system in addressing squatting incidents. New York’s liberal housing laws, designed to protect tenants, are in reality being exploited by “squatters,” essentially stealing the property of lawful owners, leaving homeowners like Andaloro to navigate an oppressive legal maze.