Barrow Street resident Heidi Russell claims she has endured over a year of torment from a roommate, Kate Gladstone, who refuses to pay rent or vacate her West Village apartment. Court documents describe Gladstone as a “serial grifter” who has allegedly taken over Russell’s home, sprayed her with cleaning chemicals, and turned the living situation into a nightmare. Russell frequently flees her own apartment to escape the tension, stating, “She’s turned me into a homeless person during the pandemic.”
The conflict began in June 2019 when Russell rented her spare bedroom to Gladstone, a self-described filmmaker who had stayed with her previously. When Russell needed the room for her mother’s post-surgery recovery, Gladstone allegedly refused to leave, launching a series of hostile actions. Russell claims Gladstone moved her daughter into the bedroom, slept in the living room, allowed her dog to soil the apartment, stole food, and blocked Russell from using shared spaces.
Despite multiple legal efforts, including housing court appearances and a federal lawsuit, Russell has been unable to remove Gladstone. A recent ruling cited New York’s pandemic eviction moratorium, allowing Gladstone to remain until at least October 1. Russell called the decision “horrid” and “unconscionable,” expressing fear for her safety and financial stability.
Court records and previous victims allege Gladstone has a history of squatting and harassing landlords in the West Village. She faces upcoming court dates for unrelated charges, including forgery and grand larceny. One former landlord, Matt Titus, described her as “one of the most vile, terrible human beings,” claiming she left him $20,000 in debt after squatting in his studio.
Gladstone denied the allegations when contacted but declined further comment. Russell warns others about Gladstone’s pattern of targeting upscale neighborhoods, stating, “She wants the prestige.” After briefly changing the locks during a period when Gladstone was absent, Russell was ordered by a judge to allow her back into the apartment. “If she comes back in here, she’s never going to leave,” Russell said.