Dealing with a tenant who hoards can be a situation that is both very challenging and delicate for any rental property owner and manager. In recent years, hoarding has been recognized as a psychological disorder that can affect people in every age range, income level, and demographic. This makes it particularly difficult to address. In serious cases, hoarding not only poses the risk of severe property damage, including fire hazards but can also put the health and safety of your tenant and their neighbors at risk. Addressing the issue requires a thoughtful balance between protecting your investment and respecting the tenant’s privacy and rights. Keep reading to learn more about the signs of hoarding, your legal obligation as a rental property owner or manager, and best practices for approaching the situation with compassion and in compliance with landlord-tenant law.
Recognize the Signs of Hoarding
If you are engaging in regular, positive communication with your renter (and you should be), this offers an opportunity to keep an eye out for the signs of a hoarding issue. Early identification in hoarding cases is the key to preventing larger issues from developing down the road.
Signs of a developing hoarding situation include things like the resident’s belongings collecting in piles around entrances, stairways, on porches, or other areas of the property. There may also be noticeable unpleasant odors in or around the property, and clutter visible from outside. You may also receive complaints from neighbors about noise, odors, or pest infestations emanating from the residence.
As a rental property manager or owner, your first step after being alerted to a potential hoarding situation is to document your observations and information provided by others. Keep good records of your visits to the property, including suspicious behaviors or unusually cluttered living spaces. This will be a valuable resource to you later on if you need to take matters further.
Understand Your Legal Obligations
If you do suspect that your resident has a hoarding issue, it is important to understand what you can and cannot do under the law. While you may be the legal owner of the property, the law requires that you respect the rights and privacy of your tenant. Review your lease documents carefully and talk to your local housing regulators to ensure that you fully understand your legal rights and how to proceed. It’s also important to note that hoarding may be considered a disability under the federal Fair Housing Act, and reasonable accommodations may be required. If you’re not sure how this law applies or how to handle the situation, it’s best to consult a legal professional and/or a local rental property expert who can guide you through it.
Approach the Tenant with Sensitivity
It may feel frustrating to treat a renter with a hoarding problem with compassion, but because it is a mental health issue, you are more likely to see positive results from using a respectful, non-confrontational approach. If you suspect hoarding, one of the first things you should do is schedule a private meeting with the resident to discuss the issue. Do so with professionalism, in a calm and supportive manner. In your discussion, focus on your concern for your resident’s safety and the need for good property maintenance, rather than judgment of their behavior. If you feel the tenant would be receptive to it, you may even want to offer them information about local resources like hoarding support groups or counseling services. Every hoarding situation is different, so you may consider enlisting the help of a hoarding expert in this and future steps.
Develop a Clear Plan of Action
When dealing with a hoarding situation, a structured plan of action can often help resolve the issue while maintaining a positive relationship with the resident. It is a delicate balance working with a person who is hoarding, and they may become upset. Do your best to stay professional no matter how they behave. Your main objective should be to set realistic goals for reducing clutter and improving the property’s overall condition.
To accomplish this, it may be helpful to establish a clear timeline with distinct milestones that involve regular check-ins to monitor progress. At the same time, it’s important to clearly outline the consequences for failing a progress evaluation, and the steps you will take if the situation is not resolved to your satisfaction. These consequences should fall clearly within the laws and regulations of your state and may include lease termination, eviction, or other appropriate action.
Partner with Professionals
Even under the best circumstances, resolving a hoarding issue can be complex. For this reason, it may be best to obtain expert assistance with your case. For example, an attorney can help guide you in matters of legal action. At the same time, a professional cleaning service may be a great way to restore your property to a habitable condition.
Property management professionals are also a great resource for guidance on tenant-landlord relations, dealing with difficult residents, and issues of property maintenance and repair. If you find yourself facing the challenge of a hoarding situation, Real Property Management is here to help. Contact your local office today for expert advice and assistance in navigating even the most difficult tenant situations at www.realpropertymgt.com.
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