Prosecutors have uncovered a new twist on a long-standing issue: squatters trespassing in homes and claiming to be tenants. This problem, investigated by news outlets for months, has now evolved. While a recent New York state law clarifies that squatters are not tenants, some people are now forging documents to falsely claim legal rights to properties.

News Outlet’s Investigation Leads to Legal Change

News outlets investigated and prompted a change in New York state law, clarifying that squatters cannot be considered tenants. Despite this, a new problem has arisen. Prosecutors report that individuals are now creating fake documents to pretend they have the right to live in homes they don’t own.

Real Estate Broker’s Shocking Encounter

Ejona Bardhi, a real estate broker in New York City, has faced many challenges in her career, but nothing like this. In March, she discovered the locks changed and a stranger inside a home she was showing for rent in Jamaica, Queens.

“I had an eerie feeling when I arrived because everything was different. There was a strange man inside,” Bardhi said. She immediately called the police. The man claimed to be a tenant since January, but Bardhi knew this was impossible as she had video proof the home was empty just days earlier.

Fake Documents and a Legal Battle

The man showed the police a lease he claimed to have signed months earlier. Bardhi noticed her name was misspelled on the document. When she contested the lease, the man left voluntarily. However, a few days later, 24-year-old Lance White-Hunt and another man took Bardhi and the homeowner to court, claiming they were illegally evicted.

District Attorney Steps In

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz investigated the case, discovering that the accused squatter had forged not only a fake lease but also fake utility bills to claim residency. White-Hunt’s civil suit was dismissed, and he was charged with crimes ranging from burglary to identity theft. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

Dealing with Squatters

As a real estate broker, Bardhi has dealt with many squatters. Usually, they offer squatters money to leave because taking legal action is time-consuming and expensive. This time, however, the squatters sued them. Bardhi believes squatters need to face real consequences to deter such behavior in the future.

Growing Problem and Public Awareness

This case is the second instance in recent months where the Queens District Attorney has filed charges against a squatter. In April, authorities arrested another squatter after he had a standoff with a homeowner in Flushing, Queens. To raise awareness, news outlets produced a 30-minute special program discussing the growing squatting problem, the implications of the new state law, and how property owners can protect themselves.