“They Stole My Home”: Deed Theft in NYC

Deed theft—the act of stealing a home—is rampant. Between 2023-2025, deed theft increased by 240% in New York City.Sherease Torain’s family owned their brownstone in Brooklyn for six decades. Then, they were served court papers for an eviction case. Landlord? How could they have a landlord when they owned the home? This was the beginning of a decade-long court battle over deed theft.In this Townhall, hear from Brooklyn families who were targeted for deed theft, an attorney who fights deed theft cases in court and a journalist who has reported on deed theft for years.
Moderator: NYC Planning Commissioner Leah GoodridgePanelists:Sherease Torain (Homeowner)Edward Mostoller (Director of the Homeowner & Consumer Advocacy Project, City Bar Justice Center)Samantha Maldonado (Senior Reporter, THE CITY)

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Leah Goodridge