‘Demon in human skin’ tenant uses every legal loophole to stay in $100-a-month Queens apartment: sources

New York Post - Apr 29th, 2025
Open on New York Post

Maria DeTommaso, a tenant in Queens, is fighting to retain her $100-a-month rent-controlled apartment in court. She acquired the lease through a controversial death-bed adoption of her elderly roommate, Nicholas DeTommaso, in 2009. Despite not paying rent for over a decade due to ongoing legal proceedings, she claims rightful tenancy. Neighbors accuse her of disruptive behavior, including renting rooms on Airbnb and changing locks. The landlords, Sugrim and Kowsila Outar, allege she's exploiting legal loopholes to delay eviction, causing them personal distress.

The case highlights challenges in New York's rent control and housing laws, particularly concerning tenant rights and landlord-tenant disputes. DeTommaso's background, including her influential family and privileged upbringing, contrasts with her current legal and living situation. The prolonged legal battle underscores the complexities within the housing system, potentially impacting legislation and public perception of housing rights. This contentious case continues to unfold, with significant implications for both the tenant and landlords involved.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and engaging account of a complex legal dispute over a rent-controlled apartment in New York City. It scores well in accuracy, balance, and clarity, effectively communicating the nuances of the situation while presenting multiple perspectives. However, the source quality and transparency could be improved with more authoritative references and a clearer explanation of the information-gathering process. The story is timely and addresses significant public interest topics, with the potential to influence discussions on housing rights and policy. Its readability and potential for controversy further enhance its appeal, although its impact may be limited by the lack of broader context or connections to ongoing policy debates.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article presents a detailed account of Maria DeTommaso's legal battles over a rent-controlled apartment, largely aligning with historical reports and documented facts. The claim that she was adopted by Nicholas DeTommaso shortly before his death is consistent with previous reports. The article accurately describes the rent-controlled status of the apartment and the significant rent difference compared to other units. However, some claims, such as the exact behavior of DeTommaso towards her neighbors, rely heavily on anecdotal evidence and lack independent verification. Overall, the factual accuracy of the article is high, but certain aspects, particularly those involving personal testimonies, require cautious interpretation.

7
Balance

The article provides perspectives from both Maria DeTommaso and her neighbors, as well as the landlords' attorney. This inclusion of multiple viewpoints offers a balanced portrayal of the ongoing legal dispute. However, the narrative appears to lean slightly towards the landlords' perspective, with more emphasis on complaints against DeTommaso. While DeTommaso's side is presented, her statements are somewhat overshadowed by the negative accounts from neighbors and the landlords' attorney. The article could benefit from a more equitable presentation of DeTommaso’s viewpoint to ensure a balanced narrative.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey the complex legal and personal dynamics involved in the story. The narrative flows logically, providing a coherent timeline of events and the key players involved. The tone remains neutral, although it occasionally leans towards sensationalism when describing DeTommaso's behavior. Overall, the article is accessible and understandable to a general audience, effectively communicating the nuances of the situation without overwhelming the reader with legal jargon.

6
Source quality

The article cites a variety of sources, including neighbors, the landlords' attorney, and DeTommaso herself. However, it lacks direct references to official documents or court records that could substantiate the legal claims and proceedings mentioned. The reliance on anecdotal evidence from neighbors and parties involved introduces potential bias. The absence of independent verification or expert commentary on rent control laws and legal loopholes also limits the source quality. While the sources provide a narrative, their reliability and authority could be strengthened with more diverse and authoritative references.

6
Transparency

The article provides some context about the ongoing legal battle and the history of the rent-controlled apartment. However, it lacks a detailed explanation of the methodology used to gather information, such as how interviews were conducted or how certain claims were verified. The article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases from the sources quoted, which could affect the impartiality of the reporting. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of the article.

Sources

  1. https://queenscrap.blogspot.com/2015/08/savvy-squatter-rents-out-pad-on-airbnb.html
  2. https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/woman-claims-right-to-rent-controlled-apartment-after-being-adopted-by-former-tenant/
  3. https://www.brownstoner.com/queens/long-island-city/closing-bell-adopted-at-63-for-a-rent-controlled-apartment-in-lic/
  4. https://thecelebritycafe.com/2014/03/woman-has-elderly-man-adopt-her-to-inherit-his-rent-controlled-apartment/amp/
  5. https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2015/08/02/lic-woman-accused-of-rent-control-con-attracts-more-controversy/