Donna Kermanshah, a Manhattan resident, has been struggling for over a year to evict an alleged squatter from her family’s property. She has turned to social media, specifically TikTok, to share her experience and has been surprised by the viral response she has received. Many people, including legal professionals and concerned citizens, have reached out to offer advice and support. The situation began when Kermanshah’s aunt allowed a woman claiming to be a distant relative to stay in the apartment after her grandmother’s death. However, what was supposed to be a temporary visit turned into a long-term stay, despite repeated attempts by the family to have the squatter leave.
The family’s struggles to remove the squatter have been ongoing, with numerous calls to the police, who have been unable to intervene due to squatter laws. The aunt eventually moved out of the apartment, and a trial for eviction began in May 2024. Despite assurances from the judge that a decision would be made within a week, the family has yet to hear anything, and the woman is still living in the apartment. This prolonged legal battle has taken an emotional toll on Kermanshah and her family, who feel helpless in the face of the complex legal system and the lack of resolution.
New York is one of the few states that have laws in favor of homeowners in cases involving squatters. A recent law signed by Governor Kathy Hochul excluded squatters from tenant protection under state law, providing some hope for those dealing with similar situations. However, Kermanshah’s family has found that the law has not been effective in their case, as they continue to wait for a resolution in court. Despite the challenges, Kermanshah remains committed to raising awareness about the issue and advocating for changes to prevent squatting from happening to others in the future.
Kermanshah’s story underscores the vulnerability of property owners in situations involving squatters, who can exploit loopholes in the legal system to remain in a property against the owner’s wishes. The emotional toll of dealing with a squatter can be significant, as seen in Kermanshah’s experience. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help others understand the risks of squatting and advocate for stronger protections for property owners. Ultimately, she hopes that laws can be changed to prevent similar situations from occurring and protect property owners from the disruption and stress caused by unwanted occupants.
Despite the setbacks and frustrations faced by Kermanshah and her family, they remain resilient in their efforts to reclaim their property and evict the squatter. Through their legal battle and advocacy efforts, they hope to bring attention to the issue of squatters and the challenges faced by property owners in such situations. By sharing their story and seeking support from the community, they continue to fight for justice and to prevent others from experiencing the same difficulties they have faced. Their perseverance and determination serve as a testament to the importance of standing up for one’s rights and seeking legal recourse in the face of adversity.
