Author: Rudro Chakrabarti

David Martin of Goodyear, Arizona, says he just wanted to help his neighbors stay hydrated during triple-digit temperatures — but now he’s being fined for it by his homeowners association.

Martin has been placing a cooler filled with free bottled water near the sidewalk outside his home since May of 2020.

“It’s for the kids, the delivery drivers, the couple holding hands walking down the street,” Martin told local outlet KPHO. “It’s for the little kid who has to walk his dog in the heat.”

In 2022, the Canyon Trails HOA and its management company FirstService Residential, gave him a warning for his cooler, but then followed up with an apology letter.

"At that point, I thought it was over and done, and we wouldn’t have any problems ever again until May of this year," Martin shared with local outlet KYMA in 2024. Then in May of 2024 he received his first fine for $50, eventually escalating to multiple citations for $100. Ever since then Martins has been receiving fines of $100 whenever he puts out his cooler when it gets hot out.

He claims the fines are unfair — and dangerous — in a state where heat has already killed dozens this year.

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“Here we are in July, the hottest day of the year, and we are still talking about a water cooler with free cold water,” Martin said. “It’s ridiculous that they are adding violations to a total that’s not going to get paid, because I’m giving out free water.”

An attorney for the Canyon Trails HOA released a statement to KPHO last year saying:

"The association does not object to a resident providing free water bottles to the community; however, the community’s rules do not allow a resident to advertise water bottle distribution from a portable ice chest, located next to their garage that is visible from neighboring property."

A legal battle to follow

After months of mounting fines, Martin launched a petition to recall three HOA board members. He claims it received over 100 signatures.

According to 12News, a special meeting was held on Thursday Jul. 10 where 190 out of 210 votes cast supported removing the board members. But the fight wasn’t over.

The HOA’s board held an emergency meeting Friday Jul. 11, voiding the results — claiming the petition didn’t meet signature requirements and questioning whether the 210 votes reflected a quorum for a community of more than 1,000 homes.

Martin provided documentation to 12News showing FirstService Residential’s own legal counsel had allegedly verified that the petition met the requirements under state law. He says he’s preparing for a legal battle.

“I am hoping with three new board members that get elected, they’ll see that wasting time and money on a water cooler that’s helping the community is just that: a waste,” Martin told KPHO.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

What homeowners need to know

While Martin’s gesture is generous, it highlights a bigger issue: HOAs typically enforce community rules strictly — even when they clash with common sense.

If you’re part of an HOA community:

• Check your CCRs (covenants, conditions and restrictions) before placing anything in shared spaces.
• Document your intent if you’re doing something for health or safety reasons.
• Reach out to your board for clarification or exceptions — especially in emergencies.
• If you receive a violation notice, address it immediately and document everything in writing.
• If mediation fails, seek legal advice to understand your rights and options.

On Reddit, where the story has gone viral, many sided with Martin. One user wrote "HOAs really deserve every ounce of disdain they receive. The gall to punish someone for having compassion, and providing water in an organized manner on their personal property."

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• Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead

Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Dustin Harpe built his family’s dream home in Kenosha County, Wisconsin: a space where his kids could grow up and where he could thrive as a father with quadraplegia.

But that dream turned to disaster this month when a fire sparked by a lithium-ion drone battery ripped through the house, leveling it in less than an hour.

"I didn’t think a battery that size would take my house down in 45 minutes," Harpe told local station TMJ4.

Now Harpe is sharing his story with a plea: “Take precautions to protect your family.”

Why lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous

Lithium-ion batteries — found in drones, smartphones, e-bikes, and power tools — are lightweight, rechargeable, and power much of our modern life. But when damaged, overheated or poorly manufactured, they can become ticking time bombs.

Fire officials and consumer safety advocates agree. Richard Trumka, a commissioner with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), recently released a statement warning of the escalating risk:

"People in apartment buildings are worried that their neighbor’s e-bike could burn down the entire building. And that’s not a hypothetical concern…it’s happening. A fire broke out on the 20th floor of a 37-story New York apartment building. It hurt 43 people, and for those living in floors above the fire, firefighters had to rappel down from the roof to save them through their windows."

The CPSC has logged 227 fire-related incidents linked to lithium batteries in micromobility products alone — leading to 39 deaths and 181 injuries. But proposed safety regulations to address the issue are currently stalled, after the agency’s Democrat majority was ousted in May 2025 and remaining Republican commissioners voted to withdraw the rule in its current form.

Experts warn that the biggest risks of fire or explosion come from:

• Overcharging or unattended charging
• Low-quality or uncertified batteries
• Improper storage in hot garages or near flammable items
• Damaged, swollen or counterfeit battery cells

CPSC officials urge consumers to use only batteries and chargers certified by labs such as UL or ETL, follow manufacturer guidelines for storage and charging carefully, and avoid cheap aftermarket substitutes.

No time to react

After an accident nine years ago left him with quadriplegia, Harper was very lucky that he decided to leave the house that day.

"I was really close to just getting back in bed because I wasn’t feeling very good. I don’t know what made me change my mind," Harpe said. "If I’m stuck in bed by myself I’m like a turtle on my back, you know, I can’t get up or get out."

His wife and their four children were not home when the fire broke out, but the home — designed to be fully accessible for Harpe’s wheelchair — was completely destroyed. Their three pets did not survive the flames.

How to protect yourself from lithium battery fires

Harpe says he never thought a drone battery could do this kind of damage.

"It’s not something that I think most people think about, that something that small can cause a problem that big," Harpe said. And he’s right, most consumers don’t realize how dangerous lithium batteries can be if not handled with care.

Here’s how to reduce the risk in your own home:

1. Never charge lithium batteries unattended, especially while sleeping or away from home.
2. Avoid extreme temperatures. Don’t leave batteries in hot garages or cars.
3. Use fireproof storage or charging bags for drones, e-bikes, or tool batteries.
4. Look for damage. If a battery is swollen, hot, or smells odd, stop using it immediately.
5. Charge in a safe area. Keep batteries away from flammable items, wood, paper, or gasoline.
6. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby — especially in garages or home workshops.

Experts typically also recommend charging batteries like these outside if possible, in shaded areas like a shed in the backyard. It’s also a great idea to charge them inside of fireproof bags or in non-flammable spaces.

As for Harpe, he plans to rebuild a new home once the debris of his old one is cleared — focusing on fire protection measures.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

At the airport, you close your phone’s second "low battery, charge now" prompt and finally give in. You grab your charging cable and plug into a public USB port in the departure lounge. According to the TSA, you may have just made a costly error.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a warning about a cyberattack technique known as “juice jacking” ahead of the peak summer travel season.

"Hackers can install malware at USB ports (we’ve been told that’s called ‘juice/port jacking’)," The TSA post says. "Juice jacking” is where hackers manipulate public charging stations with hidden devices to steal data or install malware on your device when you use a USB charging cable to plug directly in.

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This can happen at airports, hotels, malls, or even public transit hubs — anywhere a USB port is available. And once your device is compromised, attackers may be able to:

• Access your banking and payment apps
• Install spyware or keyloggers
• Control or wipe your device remotely
• Steal photos, contacts, or two-factor authentication codes

Cybersecurity experts also warn against using public charging cables, which can be planted or altered to carry malware. It’s a low-effort, high-reward attack — especially in places where travelers are distracted, bored and desperate for juice.

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How can you protect yourself against "juice jacking"?

The solution is pretty simple: the TSA says: "bring your TSA-compliant power brick or battery pack and plug in there." Outlets cannot be manipulated in the same way, keeping your device safe.

If you must juice up with a charging port, turning off your phone before plugging it in is another counter-measure. You can also get a USB data blocker (colloquially known as a USB Condom) to do the job. These devices block data transfer, allowing you to charge safely.

In general, remember to avoid doing any sensitive banking or online shopping in public areas using free unsecured Wi-Fi. Use a VPN in public spaces to remain completely secure if you must connect to Wi-Fi.

Your phone is more than just another device — it’s your wallet and, in many ways, an archive of your life all in one juicy spot for hackers. Protect it and protect yourself.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

If a mystery package shows up on your doorstep, don’t assume it’s a lucky break. It could mean your personal information has been exposed.

The U.S. Postal Service is warning Americans about a fast-growing scheme known as a “brushing” scam. It may look like a harmless delivery, like a keychain, some socks, a random kitchen gadget, but it’s often a red flag that cybercriminals have gotten hold of your name and address.

Worse, experts say these schemes can be just the beginning of a broader attempt to exploit your identity or financial accounts.

Here’s how the scam works, what it means for your data and what to do if you’ve been targeted.

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What is a brushing scam?

Brushing scams involve unsolicited deliveries from third-party online sellers looking to boost their product ratings and visibility. These sellers send cheap, low-value items to real names and addresses, then leave fake “verified” reviews, often posing as the recipient.

“These scams occur when a customer receives unsolicited packages containing low-cost items like household goods,” U.S. Postal Inspector Kelly McNulty told KOB 4 News in Albuquerque. “These packages are often sent by online retailers or third parties who use compromised personal information to create fake transactions.”

In other words: if you get a package you didn’t order, someone may already have your data, and they’re using it for profit.

Why you should care

At first glance, a free item might not raise alarms. But it should.

Brushing scams don’t just manipulate e-commerce platforms. They suggest that your personal details, including your full name, phone number, home address and possibly even payment info, have been scraped, sold or stolen. That’s information that can be used in identity theft, credit fraud, phishing scams or even attempts to bypass two-factor authentication.

“This is about more than just a package,” McNulty warned. “Treat your personal information like cash.”

Part of a larger problem

The brushing scam warning comes as part of a broader initiative by the USPS called “Project Safe Delivery,” launched in 2023 to combat mail-related crime. Since its rollout, the program has led to 2,800 arrests, including over 1,200 this year alone, tied to mail theft and attacks on postal workers.

Now, the USPS is working to raise awareness about fraud tactics targeting consumers directly, especially as scams become more personalized and harder to detect.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

What to do if a strange package shows up

If you receive a mystery box in the mail, don’t panic, but do take action. Here’s what the Postal Service and cybersecurity experts recommend:

• Report it: Go to USPIS.gov and file a report with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Reporting these scams helps federal investigators trace the origin and stop future incidents.
• Audit your accounts: Check your online shopping, banking and credit card accounts for any unusual charges. It’s also smart to request a free credit report from Equifax, Experian or TransUnion to spot any suspicious activity.
• Update your passwords: Even if you don’t see fraud, it’s a good idea to change your passwords, especially for your email, Amazon, bank and any accounts where financial or personal data is stored.
• Use a password manager: Password managers generate and store complex, unique passwords for every account, making it harder for hackers to break in if your data has already been exposed.
• Don’t engage: You are not obligated to return or review the item. In fact, doing so may validate your address to scammers and lead to more unwanted deliveries.

Most importantly, don’t scan any QR codes on the package. These codes can lead to malicious websites that steal personal data, install malware or phish for sensitive information, postal workers say.

Don’t fall for fake stamps, either

While brushing scams are grabbing attention, USPS is also flagging another fraud risk: counterfeit postage.

“If you see large discounts on stamps, like 40 to 50% off, it’s probably too good to be true,” McNulty said. These fakes often pop up on social media or discount sites and can result in your mail being rejected or you facing penalties. To stay safe, always buy stamps directly from USPS or licensed retailers.

The bottom line

Scams like brushing or counterfeit postage don’t just waste your time, they can open the door to financial and identity theft.

So, if something feels off, a strange delivery, a fishy discount, or a request for personal info, don’t ignore it.

Protect yourself by treating your personal data the same way you’d treat your debit card or Social Security number: carefully, and with skepticism.

As McNulty puts it: “Think before you send it.”

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• Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here’s how
• Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead

Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

In San Mateo, California, a runaway train of embezzlement and theft found its way back into the station.

Former Caltrain employees Seth Andrew Worden and Joseph Vincent Navarro were sentenced to 60 days and 120 days in county jail, respectively, for embezzlement of public funds.

Navarro, previously Caltrain deputy director, used $42,000 of public funds to build an apartment for himself at Burlingame Station into a secret apartment. He directed Worden to hire contractors to remodel office space and keep the invoices under $3,000 to avoid detection, as going over that amount would require higher approval.

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Worden, a Caltrain station manager, used the same methods to embezzle $8,000 — remodeling a part of Millbrae station in 2019. He was caught just a year later in 2020 and fired when station employees found the living space.

Navarro maintained his secret apartment — with its brand new kitchen, shower, heating, plumbing and security cameras — up until 2022. Caltrain received an anonymous tip exposing his living situation.

Together, they embezzled over $40,000 of public funds.

"When it’s public money that is being stolen by a public employee, that’s egregious. That takes it up a level," San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe told ABC7 News.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Worden was also sentenced to pay $8,000 in restitution and to receive substance abuse treatment and counseling — while Navarro has been ordered to surrender to surrender to authorities for his jail sentence on Aug. 2. A restitution hearing in his case has been scheduled for Aug. 15 according to CBS News.

The case also reflects the extreme cost pressures facing Bay Area residents. With median home prices hovering near $1.25 million according to Re/MAX and rents among the highest in the nation, housing insecurity can push individuals toward unconventional — and sometimes unlawful — solutions. While the Caltrain scheme was deliberate fraud, as framed by the prosecution, it also highlights how a lack of affordable housing and oversight can create openings for opportunistic behavior in public systems.

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• Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead

Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

In Columbia, South Carolina a TikTok video is making the rounds, showing single mom Nykia Hamilton tirelessly running the entire restaurant by herself — something she says has happened often.

In a now-viral interview with local South Carolina outlet WACH FOX 57, Hamilton claimed she was repeatedly left alone to run the restaurant where she works, taking orders, making food, cleaning and running the drive-thru without backup. Shifts can sometimes last over 12 hours, which was the case that day.

“I be missing out on my kids’ lives when I work so much,” Hamilton told WACH FOX. “I have to provide for them, but I really don’t have time to spend with them—and it hurts me a lot.”

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Labor shortages squeezing fast-food chains

As the labor market continues to shift post-pandemic, restaurants, especially large fast-food chains, have struggled to recruit and retain workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the accommodation and food services sector still has one of the highest quit rates in the country.

Low wages, long hours, and understaffed shifts are a few of the reasons.

In Hamilton’s case, she says she’s had to stay late or pull long shifts solo, forcing her to choose between showing up for her job and showing up for her kids.

The original TikTok sparked a wave of sympathy and concern, with many pointing out that understaffed fast-food chains are becoming all too common: "Someone like this at the McDonald’s by Rushes and the Starbucks by Blossom Buffet. Girl was in there ALLL by herself at 11 at night. Scary as hell," commented TikTok user Michaila Busbee.

While major chains like Burger King and McDonald’s have made public commitments to improve worker retention and compensation, stories like Hamilton’s suggest those promises may not always reach the frontline. Burger King’s employee retention score on business rating and comparison site Comparably sits in the bottom 10% of similarly sized companies.

"One of my employees just quit on me, and they didn’t have anyone else to come in, so I had to work by myself, and close by myself,” Hamilton said.

In response to the situation, Burger King released a statement to WACH FOX:

"At Burger King, it is our policy that all company and franchise owned restaurants require more than one Team Member to be working per shift. We are working with the Franchisee of this location to understand what happened and take any necessary action."

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

What to do if you’re working under similar conditions

If you’re an employee facing extreme understaffing or unsafe expectations, here are a few steps you can take:

• Document everything: Keep a written log or take photos of conditions.
• Know your rights: OSHA laws protect workers from unsafe working environments. You can file a complaint anonymously.
• Talk to others: If coworkers are facing similar problems, consider speaking up together.
• Look into worker resources: Local legal aid clinics, employment lawyers and even union reps may be able to help.

Employees asked to cover multiple roles may experience burnout, health issues, and family strain. They may also miss out on breaks or overtime protections, or feel too afraid to speak up out of fear of losing their job.

And for consumers? That strain often shows up in slower service, incorrect orders or even temporary closures — not to mention increasing menu prices as labor costs rise.

A loyal and committed worker

Despite the long hours and missing her family, Hamilton says she’s grateful to even have the job.

“I wouldn’t have no job because I do have a record, and it is hard to find a job with a record. And by grace of God, she gave me a job. So that’s the only reason why I stayed for her,” she said, referring to her manager.

Hamilton says she finally received support the following day — after another shift running everything by herself.

“I closed again by myself last night. I finally got help today. 11 o’clock and will stay until close at 11. We just don’t have any employees. Nobody wants to work anymore.”

What to read next

• You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here’s how
• Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead

Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

A staggering 16 billion login credentials — including usernames, emails, and passwords for Apple, Google, Facebook and more — have been leaked online, shocking cybersecurity researchers. The data even included the credentials of government officials, posing security concerns.

The compromised data was scraped from over 30 databases since the start of 2025 and likely stems from malicious “infostealer” software designed to extract sensitive information from victims’ devices, a report published by Cybernews reveals. The leaked credentials span nearly every type of online service imaginable from social media and email accounts to VPNs and developer platforms.

"No stone was left unturned," the report warns.

How hackers can use the data

This breach isn’t just about stolen email addresses, it’s about what cybercriminals can do with your full login credentials — especially if you tend to use the same passwords across your different accounts.

Once hackers get your email and password combo, they can launch a range of attacks, including:

• Credential stuffing: Hackers try your login across banking, streaming, shopping, or investment sites. If you reuse passwords, they could gain access to your most sensitive accounts.
• Phishing and social engineering: With access to personal details or email accounts, scammers can send convincing fake messages or impersonate you to friends, coworkers, or customer service agents.
• Identity theft: Stolen credentials can be used to open credit cards, apply for loans, or take over government benefit accounts in your name.
• Access to 2FA and backups: If hackers get into your email, they may intercept security codes, password reset links, or even gain access to your cloud storage and documents.

Google, Facebook, Netflix, Apple, LinkedIn, Dropbox and PayPal are among the slew of accounts with data compromised, meaning nearly every kind of online identity is at risk.

Even worse: many of the stolen credentials are in plain text, making them incredibly easy to exploit with automated tools.

How to protect yourself from cybercrimes

With billions of passwords out in the wild, here’s how to stay one step ahead of hackers:

• Change your passwords — especially for email, banking and shopping accounts. If you reuse passwords, it’s time to break the habit.
• Turn on 2FA — that’s two-factor authentication. It adds a second layer of defense, and it’s free on most platforms.
• Use a password manager — stop relying on your memory (or sticky notes). Let an encrypted vault generate strong passwords for you. This makes it easier to change your password frequently, too.
• Watch your inbox — phishing scams tend to spike after big breaches. Don’t click suspicious links, even if they look legit.

Most importantly, monitor any financial accounts you have closely. Think PayPal, bank accounts and credit cards etc. Check your statements and even pull a credit report from Equifax or Transunion.

“This is the mother of all data breaches,” Ed Peters, CEO of Data Discovery Sciences, explained in an interview with NBC 5 DFW. “We tend to think of a lone hacker going and stealing your data. That’s not the case.”

With cybercriminals sitting on a dragon’s hoard of credentials, experts say the risks of account takeovers, phishing and fraud are higher than ever.

Don’t wait for a “suspicious activity” email — lock it down now.

Sources

1. NBC 5 DFW: 16 billion passwords leaked in massive data breach, by Meredith Yeomans (Jun 20, 2025)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Kemar Lafayette is a Brooklyn landlord who owns a multi-level home in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood. Lafayette has been stuck in the same nightmare since 2021, where an unamed tenant has been giving him the runaround on paying — essentially squatting — racking up $60,000 in unpaid rent.

While Lafayette has tried to get her evicted, he seems to keep running into roadblocks.

"I’m trying to do the right thing, trying to go to the right channel, like within the law. But I’m getting no result," he told News 12 New York.

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The situation has generated a lot of stress for Lafayette and his family — expecially his mother, who lives in the ground-floor unit of the building.

“She’s just doing the most outrageous things,” Lafayette says, referring to security camera footage showing the tenant smoking indoors, removing posted signs, leaving the front door wide open, and even lifting floorboards — which Lafayette says led to water damage in his mother’s apartment.

As the legal process drags on, Lafayette has been forced to cover the mortgage out of pocket, leaving him in financial distress. Although he finally has a court date on the horizon, he’s not hopeful.

"My mortgage is crazy. I can’t go to the bank and tell the bank I can’t pay the mortgage. This for three years? It’s rough."

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

How to avoid the same fate

In New York City, landlord-tenant law is a technical dance where both parties have tools at their disposal to get the outcome they’re looking for — or in the tenant’s case, delay eviction.

One of the most common reasons why evictions can take too long or settle on unfavorable terms is because the landlord didn’t follow the lease terms and the technicalities of law, according to law firm Blodnick Fazio & Clark.

To avoid this, landlords should:

• Start with a strong lease agreement: Include clear terms for late payments, violations, and termination.

• Act fast: Don’t let a missed payment slide. Send default notices right away and document everything.

• Understand the local process: In New York, landlords need a court order from the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) to evict a tenant — and the entire process can take months. The same is true in many other states.

It also helps to follow Lafayette’s example and install security cameras. If things go sideways, footage can help establish a pattern of behavior and support your case in court.

Lafayette’s ordeal has racked up thousands of views on News 12’s YouTube channel. One of the the top commenters wrote: "This is insane. I wouldn’t even be able to sleep at night knowing I didn’t pay rent. The entitlement is crazy."

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Kemar Lafayette is a Brooklyn landlord who owns a multi-level home in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood. Lafayette has been stuck in the same nightmare since 2021, where an unamed tenant has been giving him the runaround on paying — essentially squatting — racking up $60,000 in unpaid rent.

While Lafayette has tried to get her evicted, he seems to keep running into roadblocks.

"I’m trying to do the right thing, trying to go to the right channel, like within the law. But I’m getting no result," he told News 12 New York.

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The situation has generated a lot of stress for Lafayette and his family — expecially his mother, who lives in the ground-floor unit of the building.

“She’s just doing the most outrageous things,” Lafayette says, referring to security camera footage showing the tenant smoking indoors, removing posted signs, leaving the front door wide open, and even lifting floorboards — which Lafayette says led to water damage in his mother’s apartment.

As the legal process drags on, Lafayette has been forced to cover the mortgage out of pocket, leaving him in financial distress. Although he finally has a court date on the horizon, he’s not hopeful.

"My mortgage is crazy. I can’t go to the bank and tell the bank I can’t pay the mortgage. This for three years? It’s rough."

Read more: Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

How to avoid the same fate

In New York City, landlord-tenant law is a technical dance where both parties have tools at their disposal to get the outcome they’re looking for — or in the tenant’s case, delay eviction.

One of the most common reasons why evictions can take too long or settle on unfavorable terms is because the landlord didn’t follow the lease terms and the technicalities of law, according to law firm Blodnick Fazio & Clark.

To avoid this, landlords should:

• Start with a strong lease agreement: Include clear terms for late payments, violations, and termination.

• Act fast: Don’t let a missed payment slide. Send default notices right away and document everything.

• Understand the local process: In New York, landlords need a court order from the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) to evict a tenant — and the entire process can take months. The same is true in many other states.

It also helps to follow Lafayette’s example and install security cameras. If things go sideways, footage can help establish a pattern of behavior and support your case in court.

Lafayette’s ordeal has racked up thousands of views on News 12’s YouTube channel. One of the the top commenters wrote: "This is insane. I wouldn’t even be able to sleep at night knowing I didn’t pay rent. The entitlement is crazy."

What to read next

• Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Kemar Lafayette is a Brooklyn landlord who owns a multi-level home in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood. Lafayette has been stuck in the same nightmare since 2021, where an unamed tenant has been giving him the runaround on paying — essentially squatting — racking up $60,000 in unpaid rent.

While Lafayette has tried to get her evicted, he seems to keep running into roadblocks.

"I’m trying to do the right thing, trying to go to the right channel, like within the law. But I’m getting no result," he told News 12 New York.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

The situation has generated a lot of stress for Lafayette and his family — expecially his mother, who lives in the ground-floor unit of the building.

“She’s just doing the most outrageous things,” Lafayette says, referring to security camera footage showing the tenant smoking indoors, removing posted signs, leaving the front door wide open, and even lifting floorboards — which Lafayette says led to water damage in his mother’s apartment.

As the legal process drags on, Lafayette has been forced to cover the mortgage out of pocket, leaving him in financial distress. Although he finally has a court date on the horizon, he’s not hopeful.

"My mortgage is crazy. I can’t go to the bank and tell the bank I can’t pay the mortgage. This for three years? It’s rough."

Read more: Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how

How to avoid the same fate

In New York City, landlord-tenant law is a technical dance where both parties have tools at their disposal to get the outcome they’re looking for — or in the tenant’s case, delay eviction.

One of the most common reasons why evictions can take too long or settle on unfavorable terms is because the landlord didn’t follow the lease terms and the technicalities of law, according to law firm Blodnick Fazio & Clark.

To avoid this, landlords should:

• Start with a strong lease agreement: Include clear terms for late payments, violations, and termination.

• Act fast: Don’t let a missed payment slide. Send default notices right away and document everything.

• Understand the local process: In New York, landlords need a court order from the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) to evict a tenant — and the entire process can take months. The same is true in many other states.

It also helps to follow Lafayette’s example and install security cameras. If things go sideways, footage can help establish a pattern of behavior and support your case in court.

Lafayette’s ordeal has racked up thousands of views on News 12’s YouTube channel. One of the the top commenters wrote: "This is insane. I wouldn’t even be able to sleep at night knowing I didn’t pay rent. The entitlement is crazy."

What to read next

• Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Do you rely on your monthly Social Security check to get by? Here are 5 simple money moves for American seniors during Trump’s presidency

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.