A Manhattan woman recounts her attempt to evict a squatter from her family's NYC apartment.

An alleged squatter has been residing on a Manhattan property for over a year, and the family attempting to evict them has been unsuccessful.

Donna Kermanshah, whose father owns an apartment with an unwelcome tenant, has shared her experience on TikTok and was surprised by the response she received.

"Kermanshah stated that initially, he was scared because he did not anticipate the video's viral nature and the large number of people who would view and care about it. However, the video has made them feel less isolated. Many attorneys, professionals, and regular citizens have contacted them, offering advice, regardless of their profession or status."

In June 2023 to August 2023, Kermanshah's aunt, who resided in the apartment, received a Facebook message from a stranger claiming to be a distant relative.

Kermanshah shared with Planet Chronicle Digital that she contacted her aunt on Facebook after her aunt posted about her grandmother's death in November 2022, as her grandmother also lived in the same apartment.

In the Facebook message, Kermanshah stated that the woman conveyed her desire to offer condolences while she was in the city.

Despite Kermanshah's aunt repeatedly telling the squatter to leave, she stayed for a much longer period of time after arriving in the city and explaining that she needed a place to stay after being kicked out of her daughter's apartment.

Kermanshah stated that her aunt, who was still grieving her grandmother's death and had also lost her husband, was extremely vulnerable. Additionally, she was threatened with violence by the woman if she shared any information about what was happening.

At that point, law enforcement was unable to remove the woman from the apartment.

Kermanshah stated that the police arrived too late, as per squatters' laws, and that they have been called over 100 times during the woman's time in the apartment. Additionally, the aunt has since left the Manhattan apartment.

The trial for eviction started on May 24, 2024, and Kermanshah was informed by a judge that a decision would be made within a week. However, the family has not received any updates, and Kermanshah continues to reside in the apartment.

"We've given up at this point as I've called so many times," Kermanshah stated.

New York is one of the few states that have passed laws protecting homeowners from squatters. However, a portion of New York's 2024 state budget signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul in April 2024 excluded squatters from tenant protection under state law, as previously reported by Planet Chronicle Digital.

Despite the law, Kermanshah's family is still waiting for a court case outcome.

Kermanshah stated that the situation has had a significant emotional impact on them.

Despite the challenges, Kermanshah remains committed to spreading awareness through her story and believes "laws can change."

Kermanshah stated that it is beneficial for New Yorkers, regardless of their location, as well as for people in general, to be aware that, even if they pay taxes and own property, they are still vulnerable to someone taking it without their permission.

"I sincerely hope that this prevents others from experiencing squatting."