A Manhattan family has been struggling for over a year now to evict a squatter from their property. Donna Kermanshah, whose father owns the apartment where the unwelcome tenant has been residing, has taken to TikTok to share her story. The response she received from sharing her experience was unexpectedly positive, with many people reaching out to offer support and advice. The situation began when a woman contacted Kermanshah’s aunt on Facebook, claiming to be a distant relative and asking to stay at the apartment to offer her condolences after the family’s loss.
Despite initially agreeing to a two-day stay, the woman extended her visit and refused to leave, despite multiple requests from Kermanshah’s aunt. The situation escalated, with the squatter threatening violence if anyone was told about her presence. Despite involving the police, they were unable to remove the woman due to squatter’s laws in New York. The aunt has since moved out, but the squatter remains in the apartment. A trial for eviction began in May 2024, but the family has yet to hear a decision from the judge, leaving them feeling frustrated and helpless.
New York is one of the few states that have laws to support homeowners in cases involving squatters. However, Kermanshah’s family has not seen any benefit from these laws as they wait for a resolution in their case. The emotional toll of dealing with the situation has been significant for the family, and Kermanshah hopes that by sharing her story, awareness can be raised about the risks of squatting. She emphasizes the importance of knowing that even as a homeowner, you are still vulnerable to having your property taken over by someone else.
Despite the challenges they have faced, Kermanshah remains determined to advocate for changes in the law to protect homeowners from similar situations in the future. She hopes that her story will serve as a warning to others and prevent squatting from happening to more people. The support and advice she has received from others who have experienced similar situations have been a source of comfort for her family, helping them feel less isolated in their struggle. By continuing to share her story on social media, Kermanshah hopes to raise awareness and inspire change in laws surrounding squatter’s rights.
The family’s experience highlights the difficulties that homeowners can face when dealing with squatters and the limitations of current laws in protecting property owners. The emotional and financial toll of having a squatter in their home for such an extended period has been immense for Kermanshah’s family. Despite the challenges they have encountered, they are determined to bring attention to the issue and push for legislative changes that will better protect homeowners in similar situations. Their story serves as a cautionary tale for others and emphasizes the importance of being informed and proactive in defending one’s property against potential squatters.
