'IT'S ENRAGING': NYC homeowner arrested after she changed the locks to kick out squatters
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A woman in New York City was arrested after she changed the locks of her own home to get rid of squatters who broke in.
Adele Andaloro, 47, was busted for unlawful eviction of a tenant, as she tried to save the $1-million home in Flushing that she inherited from her parents when they died, WABC reported.
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“It’s enraging,” the homeowner told the outlet. “It’s not fair that I, as the homeowner, have to be going through this.”
Andaloro was attempting to sell the property when she realized last month that someone had changed the front door and the lock.
She went to the home with the news outlet to ensure everything was captured on camera, but Andaloro was the one who ended up getting handcuffed — because in NYC, a person can claim “squatter’s rights” after living at a property for 30 days.
Under the law, it is illegal for the homeowner to change the locks, turn off the utilities, or remove the belongings of the so-called tenants.
During the incident, Andaloro was filmed entering the property after one of the apparent tenants left the front door open.
“You shouldn’t be trying to steal my house,” Andaloro yelled before 911 was called.
Responding officers told Andaloro she had to sort out the saga in court because it was considered a “landlord-tenant issue.”
Brian Rodriguez claimed to have a lease, but couldn’t produce it, according to Eye Witness News.
Rodriguez told Andaloro he would leave “if she pays me my money that I put in the house,” claiming he had work done in the “few months” he was living there.
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According to the outlet, it takes an average of 20 months for an eviction case to have a resolution in New York City.
Andaloro now has no choice but to start an eviction filing in housing court.
“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.”
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