A couple thought they found the perfect home, but after purchasing it, they were faced with an unexpected problem: the former owner's caretaker won't leave. Susana and Joseph Landa, both 68, bought a $2 million home in Queens in October. What seemed like their dream home because of its close proximity to other family members turned into a "nightmare," Josepha Landa told ABC7, because of the "squatter" living in the house. Living close to family is particularly important for the couple because their son has Down syndrome and they want to be sure someone is able to look after him in the event that something happens to them, ABC7 reported.
The couple has not been able to move into the home even though they purchased it months ago. Brett Flores, 32, was a caretaker for the previous owner, who died in January 2023, reports Fox5. Flores has claimed that he has a "license" to remain at the house even though the Landas legally purchased the home.
According to Fox5, a note was placed on the door of the house. It reads: "Mrs. and Mr. Landa, or any of their representatives, do not under any circumstances have my consent to enter my residence here. I decline any contact request with the Landas, and any contact will be interpreted as harassment. Kindly forward all communications to my lawyer, Dennis O’Sullivan, whose contact info is listed below. Thank you."
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Attempts to evict Flores have been unsuccessful so far, and Flores' filing for bankruptcy has made the process more complicated, according to the New York Post.
The situation has been shocking for the homeowners. Susana Landa told ABC7 that she thinks about the same thing all the time, both when she wakes up in the morning and when she tries to sleep at night: "When is this guy going to come out?"
She also told the outlet that they "couldn't believe it." The couple is taking Flores to landlord-tenant court in attempt to resolve the issue, with the next court date scheduled for April, according to ABC7.
Though several outlets have referred to Flores as a "squatter" who has taken over the home, he is technically not a squatter, the Landa family's lawyer, Anthony Mordente, pointed out, reports Fox5.
"A squatter is technically someone who breaks into a property, so he has entered without the permission of his employer, so he’s technically not a squatter in the legal sense of the term," the lawyer explained.
Because the Landas reportedly haven't been able to enter their home for months, they have resorted to other actions, such as hiring a celebrity security guard to watch the mansion, New York Post reported.
Though Flores is allegedly still living in the home, the Daily Mail reported that some features, such as open windows, made the property appear empty. Only one neighbor had something to say about Flores: he has never seen him before.
