A couple in Queens is facing a nightmare after alleged squatters moved into their duplex and are now suing them after refusing to vacate the $930,000 home. This incident is part of a larger squatter problem in Queens, where individuals have been taking over homes under the city’s permissive laws. The owners, Juliya Fulman and Denis Kurlyand, have already accumulated over $4,000 in legal bills in the fight against the squatters. Under New York City laws, squatters gain legal protections after occupying a property for just 30 days, making it challenging for owners to evict them.
The couple had renovated their investment property and secured tenants for both units when they discovered that the locks on the property had been changed without authorization. When the real estate broker visited the property and saw men inside, they called the police. Despite the owners’ intention to change the locks, they were warned by the police that they would be arrested if they did so. This was exemplified by another homeowner in Flushing who was arrested for changing the locks on her property to remove squatters. The squatters in this case, Lance Hunt Sr. and Rondie L. Francis, claimed to have been living in the house since January but couldn’t provide proof when questioned by the police.
After the police escorted the squatters out of the property, Juliya and Denis found their home in disarray, with scuffed floors, scratched walls, and the smell of marijuana lingering in the residence. Despite this, the squatters proceeded to sue the couple, the real estate company, and the broker handling the property. During an emergency lockout hearing, the couple’s lawyer requested a trial, arguing that the squatters had committed fraud. The squatters presented allegedly forged documents, including a lease signed and starting on the same day, raising further doubts about their credibility.
The squatters’ lawyer defended his clients by stating that they had provided enough evidence to prove their residency, including a rental application, a lease, and text messages. The case is due for another court date, but the couple still faces uncertainty about the outcome and the prolonged legal battle ahead. Despite some progress in the case, Denis expressed his fear and frustration over having the decision outside their control. He questioned the fairness of the legal system that favors squatters and makes it difficult for homeowners to protect their properties. The couple emphasized the lack of safety precautions and the need for more robust laws to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
