The family denied access to their own dream NYC home by a persistent squatter has hired a celebrity security guard to guard the $2 million mansion.
Susana and Joseph Landa, both 68, bought the stunning Little Neck estate, about 18 miles from Manhattan, in October.
The couple wanted to retreat to the large three-bedroom, four-bathroom home with their son Alex, who has Down syndrome.
Unfortunately, alleged “squatter” Brett Flores claims that he “deserves” to live on the property because he worked as a caretaker for the elderly owner, who has since passed away.
visited the Long Island mansion and found that the Landas had hired a security guard to guard their property while Flores continued to live there.
This $2 million “dream home,” purchased by an elderly couple from New York City, has been left derelict and abandoned after being taken over by a shameless squatter
Susana and Joseph Landa, both 68, have hired a celebrity security guard to guard the $2 million mansion after “squatter” Brett Flores took over their home
When visited the property on Thursday evening, almost every light in the house was on – the lights in the living room, basement, garage and upstairs
The burly security guard refused to give his name but told : “I work for the owner of the house.” These people are good people, it's a shame what's going on.
“It’s probably two people.” [in the house]. It shouldn't happen. Whoever made them [squatters’ rights] Rules Up smokes some kind of crack.'
The security guard, who previously worked for Bill Gates' family, was on duty at his daughter Jennifer's wedding.
When visited the property on Thursday evening, almost every light in the house was on – the lights in the living room, basement, garage and upstairs.
A camera – not one of the new owners' cameras – appeared to be installed in an upstairs bedroom.
As of 7:30 p.m., there was still no sign of the squatter or his BMW SUV with out-of-town license plates.
A man who knew the owner called Bernie, didn't want to give his name and told he didn't know the story until he read about it.
He said, “Jesus Christ – I know this house.”
“It’s a beautiful house in a beautiful area.”
“It's unfortunate – people don't want to rent out their properties because they're afraid of squatters.” Speak to any landlord and you'll hear the same thing.
“That's no secret. That's the system – and it's been in place since Covid – it's actually created an opening where they don't have to pay rent.
“It’s a shitty situation and a big fear for every landlord.”
He added: “I’m glad I’m not a landlord.”
Susana (right) and Joseph Landa (left), both 68, bought the Little Neck, Long Island, mansion in October where they planned to retire before their hopes were dashed
The squatter has been identified as Brett Flores, who claims he has every right to stay
Earlier on Thursday, Flores, we instead stayed inside, where we saw furniture covered in dusters and trash strewn on the floor.
Ten surveillance cameras monitor the property, but it is unclear who placed them there.
Outside, the yard is unkempt, with a broken doorbell and a sign warning of an “alarm system” greeting guests at the front door.
A note Flores allegedly left on the home's door told the new owners that they “do not have my consent to enter” and that their attempts to contact him “would be interpreted as harassment.”
Despite a winter storm that blew through New York on Thursday, many of the vacant property's windows and doors remained wide open as the home appeared to have not been occupied for some time.
The home's red front door also has scattered, unpainted white paint and a key lock holder ripped from its hinges.
There was no answer when knocked on the door. Flores' lawyer told he had no comment ahead of the court hearing scheduled for April 18. It is unclear what this hearing will entail.
None of the locals had anything to say about Flores, and a neighbor whose property borders the disputed home's yard said he had never seen him before.
Property records indicate that the previous owner was Bernard Fernandez, a watchmaker who “kept to himself” and was called “Bernie” by neighbors.
When the Landas selected the house as retirement accommodation in October, its location near family members and in a neighborhood where they had lived for decades made it the ideal place to settle permanently.
The Landas are taking Flores to landlord and tenant court to get him evicted, but the court hearing isn't until April.
The home's red front door also has scattered, unpainted white paint and a key lock holder ripped from its hinges
Joseph Landa said his efforts to evict the squatter had become “a nightmare, a total nightmare.”
“Long story short, he’s still there,” Susana said.
Flores had been hired as a caretaker by the home's previous owner, which he said gave him the right to remain on the property.
Court documents show that Flores, 32, was actually hired by the former homeowner and was paid $3,000 a week to care for the elderly man.
The previous homeowner died in January 2023, but Flores claimed he had a “license” to stay in the home granted by the old owner.
When asked neighbors about the former homeowner, they didn't know much about the man and said he “kept to himself.”
After explaining in court documents why he “deserved” to live in the multimillion-dollar property for free, Susana responded: “We couldn't believe it, we couldn't believe it.”
Flores' lawyer told : “No comment.”
The homeowners attempted to enter the property along with an insurance inspector, and Flores called police.
The family has already had five hearings in civil court and complains that the process is continuing to be delayed.
Flores appeared in court without an attorney and filed for bankruptcy on January 9, 2024, preventing litigation from proceeding.
While Flores lives rent-free in the family's dream home, she pays all the bills to keep the house running.
Flores racked up thousands of dollars in utility bills that Joseph and Susana had to pay.
The sprawling home is located in Little Neck, about 18 miles from Manhattan
The couple have three sons, one of whom has Down syndrome. They wanted to live with him in the home to stay close to his brothers
While Flores lives rent-free in the family's dream home, she pays all the bills to keep the house running
Susana said Flores “left the windows open 24 hours” while they paid for heating.
“It’s very crazy, our system is broken,” Susana said. “I never thought we had no rights, no rights at all, nothing, zero.”
“I feel completely forgotten, unjust and unable to do anything in this legal system,” Joseph said.