Community rallies behind local resident dealing with squatter in his home

John Kosareff has dealt with a man squatting in his Sky Valley Resort home since July 2020.

The resort community there is rallying behind the homeowner and has been willing to picket to get the squatter out.

"Slob is kind of a harsh word, but that's what it is. He's a slob," said Kosareff. "The inside is a disaster you know he totally messed that all up."

Kosareff lives with a disability. He originally hired Jamin Habenschuss to do remodeling work on the property while he lived in the house. Habenschuss has since not finished the remodeling and has refused to leave the home failing to pay rent or utilities. 

Kosareff lives in another home within the same resort usually renting out his other property.

"It's putting it in jeopardy. And not only itself, but you try to recoup the money that I've already put in it," said Kosareff.

Kosareff said he has invested up to $60,000 into renovating the home. On top of that, he paid $15,000 to Habenschuss to do the renovations. Kosareff continues to pay nearly $700 a month for rent and utilities. 

Resort handyman Paul Reed has led efforts to remove the squatter and make sure Kosareff can keep the property.

"We're advocating for him at this present time, trying to help him out in any way that we possibly can," said Reed. "We've tried to contact the squatting party. And we've been trying to convince him that it's time to go that volunteers and a construction crew needs to come in here and clean the place up."

Kosareff is at risk of losing the property and all the money he invested in it. 

"It's a disaster. It's a rent problem. It's a rat problem. It's a problem. It's an eyesore for the neighbors," said Reed.

Kosareff said he called the Sheriff's Department but said they could do little to help since the issue is a civil matter, not a criminal one. He is also looking for an eviction lawyer to help him.