Think your rental contract protects you? Think again.

In Queens, New York, a woman has reportedly lived in a rent-controlled apartment for over a decade without paying the $100 monthly rent.

Legal maneuvers, court delays, and a controversial deathbed adoption have made her nearly impossible to evict.

And it’s all happening while her landlords, now in their 80s, watch helplessly from upstairs.



Maria DeTommaso, now 74, moved into a two-bedroom railroad-style flat in Long Island City in 2002.

The apartment, originally leased by elderly tenant Nicholas “Nicky” DeTommaso, is now worth nearly $2,000 a month, but Maria only pays $100.

Days before Nicky died in 2009, he adopted Maria — granting her “successor rights” under New York rent law.

In 2018, the state officially allowed her to stay in the unit indefinitely.


Neighbors say her presence has created chaos in the six-unit building.

They’ve accused her of renting out rooms on Airbnb, inviting in streams of tourists for $55 a night.

Other complaints include allowing homeless veterans to stay, changing the locks on common doors, and refusing building workers entry for repairs.

One tenant even described her as a “demon in human skin” due to years of conflict.



Also read: This woman was kicked out after a decade in her home—learn how a legal loophole could affect you too!

Her landlords, Sugrim and Kowsila Outar, have tried repeatedly to remove her from the property.

Now in their 80s, they claim the ongoing legal fight has affected their health and well-being.

According to their lawyer, Maria has used every loophole available, from pandemic protections to free legal aid.

Under New York law, she hasn't had to pay rent while the case remains unresolved.



Maria, who denies wrongdoing, insists she’s the rightful tenant and says her reputation is being unfairly attacked.

“I won the succession,” she told reporters. “I have every right to be here.” She also claims she keeps her rent in escrow until the legal matter is settled.

Born Pamela Rose Becker, Maria grew up in Washington, D.C. Her father served as a US ambassador during the Ford administration, and her brother is a former mayor of Salt Lake City.

She says she arrived at the Queens apartment in the ’90s to cat-sit for a friend and ended up staying when she had nowhere else to go.



Also read: Exposed: The landlord accused of putting renters at risk—see what the city is doing

Over time, she gained power of attorney over Nicky and drove him to doctor appointments as his health declined.

Neighbors recall a very different dynamic between Maria and Nicky.

One said Nicky had allegedly tried to kick her out almost as soon as she moved in, claiming she stayed against his wishes.

Yet by the time he passed, she had full control of his affairs. Whether out of compassion or manipulation, the adoption sealed her place in the apartment.



The legal case has dragged on through five different judges.

The Outars, who live in the same building, say the stress of the dispute has led to hospitalizations and years shaved off their lives.

Their lawyer calls it “a wild ride,” while others see it as a loophole-ridden legal system that’s left them powerless.

Meanwhile, the building continues to deteriorate, and tensions between neighbors persist.

Read next: Evicted overnight: how this reliable tenant was forced out and left living in her car—are you at risk?
Do you think tenant laws go too far—or not far enough? Have you ever dealt with a rental situation that spiraled out of control? What would you do if you were in the landlord’s shoes? Share your thoughts and advice in the comments—your voice could help others better understand the system.