Friend in Need Turned Squatter
My friend and her family (3 kids and husband)were living in a homeless shelter when she reached out to me. We were BFF in high school. My mother, who could use the money offered up a room in her home next door, compensated by the city each month $450 ($225 2x ea. month). It was…
My friend and her family (3 kids and husband)were living in a homeless shelter when she reached out to me. We were BFF in high school. My mother, who could use the money offered up a room in her home next door, compensated by the city each month $450 ($225 2x ea. month). It was too cramp and I had them come stay with me in september. During this month of Dec., things were getting out of hand. The Arguments, lack of respect etc. and I told them things were not working out, that they should find another place and leave. I was told by them and confirmed by the police (they called them) that they had a right to be there. That, since they lived there for over 30 days and could prove it, that I was now their Landlord!!! I hate to throw the kids in the street but things are more intense than ever. One of the husband’s friends threatened my mother with bodily harm and now we need an order of protection. Can that be had at the local precinct? Also, how do I get these people out of my house? We even offered them the original room at my mother’s initially (in writing but they refused). She returned the first check from the city after the problems began and I have never received any money from anyone; them or the city.
I am going monday to landlord tenant court. Meanwhile, do they have a right to have company in my house? Is that part of the 30 day whatever, deal? Is there a faster way to get rid of this false friend and her family?
Help!
I also would like to add that Vinca’s advice, as usual, is accurate and on point. The only jackasses in this thread are the ones advocating violence, lies and other illegal means to evict.
It will just make it worse, more complicated, more expensive to ultimately regain control of your home. It doesn’t matter than what the friend did was outrageous in the first place; following the law exactly will the fastest way to solve the problem ( it doesn’t mean it will be fast.)
Cookiecutter – cute story on house guests – but these folks are legally residents now, even if they will be evicted eventually by the courts.
OP has already said mail has been delivered there for over 30 days. Game over on factual dispute on whether they are legally entitled to process. They are. Get thee to housing court and ignore the “self-helpers” here.
It doesn’t seem like they’re tenants since they didn’t pay YOU anything. It’s more like they’re horrible house guests that just won’t leave and now like bedbugs and rent control pests, you just can’t get rid of them. Not a big surprise but a lot of people have gone through similar situations with “guests” that have over stayed their welcome. Here’s a sad and good read with several examples of what people had to do to get rid of them: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/13/garden/13guest.html?_r=1
vinca – Really? To bad I just can’t “ignore” jacka$$’s like you as I can in streeteasy….
Sounds like technically they are tenants. But can they prove it? Do they have any utilities at the address in their name? Do they have mail being delivered there? I’d suggest waiting until they’re out, pack up all their shit and dispose of it. Change the locks and act like you’ve never met them before. Just make sure your insurance is current. Me personally, I’d lock them IN and burn the house down.
OP: A word to the wise—don’t post anything further under your own name, even if that means follow-up threads under a new login. Also, don’t even begin to consider following the advice of those who suggest you lie in court. All those anonymous posters will be nowhere to be found when/if their bad advice results in penalties and damages.
CookieCutterBrownstone: Until you’ve actually lived through a personal tragedy or series of events that turn your life and expectations upside-down, spare us your personal entitlement of broadbrush, pop diagnoses and judgments of how, why and what kind of people become homeless.
RE: FRIEND IN NEED TURNED SQUATTER
WOW! Thank you all for your feedback on this problem. I will post updates as significant things take place. Again, Thanks very much to you all and to Brownstoner.
Richard Vaun
PS, I have taken No money period, there are no written agreements. They have had mail coming to my home for over 30 days.
POLICE ISSUED WARNING TO HUSBANDS FRIENDS NOT TO RETURN OR THEY WILL BE ARRESTED ON THE SPOT!!!
Will be at 141 Livingston St on Monday
Wow, talk about shameless behavior and self-entitlement complex! I can’t believe they were once your BFF. You didn’t see any warning signs on the type of people they are? There are usually reasons why some people are homeless, be it natural disasters but too cheap and stupid to have insurance, to getting fired – highly aggressive and defensive attitudes, substance abuse, and etc, etc.
I’d hate for you to spend a lot of money on lawyer fees but that might be the fastest and easiest solution.
Obviously you should ignore the advice of “invisible” as that will get you arrested for illegal lock out.