Squatter From Hell — Couple's Nightmare Home Purchase

For many, buying a home is a milestone moment, marking years of hard work and planning. But for one Rochester, New York, couple, that dream quickly became a living nightmare. Instead of enjoying their new home, Ryan Folts and Caitlin Pitts found themselves locked in a legal battle against an unwelcome guest who refuses to leave.

The Shocking Discovery

Folts and Pitts purchased their home at an auction in January 2023, knowing it was occupied. However, they had no idea of the challenges ahead. When Folts attempted to negotiate with the squatter, offering him $500 a month to stay temporarily, he was met with hostility. The man threatened Folts' life, making it clear he had no intention of vacating the property.

Legal Loopholes and Frustrations

The couple went through all the necessary legal steps to evict the squatter, but the process proved agonizingly slow. According to Folts, they followed every requirement, yet the man remained in the house past the court-ordered lockout date. The couple reached out to local authorities, but law enforcement explained that, without a judge's order, they had no legal grounds to forcibly remove the squatter.

The Rochester Police Department issued a statement explaining their limited role in eviction cases. Captain Greg Bello clarified that evictions must be handled by the city marshal, and police intervention is only possible with a specific court order. Without it, officers have no authority to enter the home and remove the occupant.

Homeless and Helpless

With their former home already sold, Folts and Pitts found themselves in an unexpected crisis. They had anticipated moving into their new house but were instead forced to live in hotels while paying for storage for their belongings. The financial strain and emotional toll were immense. Pitts expressed frustration, stating they felt they had a target on their back for simply trying to reclaim their legally owned home.

An Even Bigger Problem

As if the squatter's presence wasn't distressing enough, Folts discovered another unsettling detail — the man was collecting rent from a tenant in the home while living there for free. An Airbnb listing under the house's address surfaced, further complicating the situation. However, attempts to contact the supposed host were unsuccessful.

Controversial Squatters' Rights

The couple's ordeal highlights a growing concern across the country. Squatters' rights and legal protections often leave homeowners powerless, even when they have followed every legal avenue. While the law is meant to prevent unlawful evictions, it can sometimes enable bad actors to exploit loopholes at the expense of rightful property owners.

Pitts believes that mental health professionals should be involved in cases like theirs. The squatter exhibited threatening behavior, adding another layer of concern. Pitts stressed that the man was trespassing, burglarizing, and threatening people, yet continued to live in their home without consequence.

No End in Sight

With their legal avenues exhausted and no immediate solution, Folts and Pitts now face a heartbreaking decision: sell the home they fought so hard to own or continue battling a system that seems stacked against them. Folts admitted that even if they succeed in removing the squatter, they may never feel safe living there.

Their story serves as a cautionary tale for potential homebuyers, shedding light on the unexpected dangers of purchasing foreclosed or occupied properties. It also raises important questions about housing laws, property rights, and the balance between protecting tenants and supporting homeowners who are left vulnerable in the process.

References: Squatter turns couple's dream home purchase into nightmare | 'Target on our back': Rochester homeowners say squatter remains bolted inside their home