A squatter has turned a couple’s dream home purchase into a nightmare. Their aspirations of homeownership have taken a dark turn as they find themselves grappling with an unwanted guest, refusing to vacate the premises.
In Rochester, New York, homeowners Ryan Folts and Caitlin Pitts shared their troubling story with News 8. After winning a foreclosure auction last January, they were aware that the property was occupied. However, they never anticipated the chaos that would ensue.
“I offered him $500 a month to let the squatter stay in the house,” Folts recounted, his voice laced with frustration. “He responded that if I returned, he would take my life.” The threat hung heavy in the air, illustrating the depth of their desperation.
For Folts and Pitts, navigating the legal maze became a grueling task. They believed they had exhausted every avenue, enduring the “red tape” that often accompanies such situations, but to no avail.
“I allowed him to squat for a few more months,” Folts recalled, “and then I pursued the legal process to have him removed.” It seems the system designed to protect property rights has become an obstacle, not a solution. Despite following proper procedures, the couple is still faced with an unyielding squatter.
In a recent encounter, Folts reported that the Rochester Police responded to the situation. However, when they arrived and were met by the squatter, the officers reportedly “walked away,” asserting it wasn’t their responsibility. This left the couple feeling vulnerable, with a sense that justice was out of reach.
“I understand the frustration of the new homeowners,” a police representative said. “However, our actions are dictated by the law and the courts.” The struggle for justice continues, painting a picture of helplessness for Folts and Pitts.
The anticipated lockout date for the squatter was set for late December, a deadline that seemed to stretch endlessly as the couple prepared to leave their previous residence, believing they would soon call their new house home.
“We’ve been living in a hotel, convinced we’d have a place to settle down,” Pitts expressed, capturing the weight of their situation. “We’re paying not just for the storage unit, but for every single night in a hotel room. It’s been a month, and it’s exhausting.” The emotional turmoil is palpable; they feel like they have targets painted on their backs, victims of an unexpected battle despite their diligent efforts to follow the rules.
As time passed with no resolution, a sense of hopelessness began to cloud their thoughts. “We need help, from the community or anyone willing to lend a hand,” Pitts implored. They highlighted their status as residents who contribute to society through taxes, yet they find themselves living at the mercy of a squatter in their own home. “He has mental health issues and deserves assistance, but he’s also trespassing and threatening us… he needs to go.”
The grim reality is sinking in. Folts and Pitts don’t envision a future in their own home if the current situation persists. “I can’t see us ever living here, because it would feel like we’re perpetually at risk. There’s no way we could find peace,” Folts remarked, admitting the anxiety swirling around the ordeal. “If this doesn’t resolve, the only choice left may be to sell it, assuming we can even do that.”
Ultimately, their dream of homeownership has evolved into a haunting reminder of what could have been. The couple’s tale sheds light on a troubling reality faced by many—one where the laws designed to protect can sometimes seem inadequate in ensuring justice. A simple home, once a symbol of hope, has become a bitter reminder of uncertainty in Rochester’s housing market.
