The Do's and Don'ts for Property Managers with a Hoarding Tenant

Discovering that one of your tenants struggles with hoarding can be overwhelming. Piles of clutter might start out as a nuisance but can quickly turn into safety concerns, legal complications, and challenges for property managers trying to maintain a safe and livable environment. 

Hoarding presents unique obstacles—like navigating fair housing laws, preventing damage to your property, and ensuring the safety of everyone involved. By approaching the situation with compassion and professional guidance, property managers can handle these challenges responsibly and effectively. 

This guide walks through the do’s and don’ts for property managers managing a hoarder apartment while emphasizing how professional assistance, such as a hoarding cleaning service, can make all the difference.

The Do’s 

Proactive steps can make all the difference in managing hoarding situations without escalating conflict or creating liability. Here’s what property managers should prioritize: 

Communicate Respectfully and Legally 

Start with empathy. Hoarding is often tied to mental health conditions (and indeed, there is a recognized mental health condition called “hoarding disorder”), so avoiding accusatory or confrontational language is essential. Many tenants with hoarding behaviors feel overwhelmed by their situation and fear judgment, making compassion a priority.  Instead, approach conversations with sensitivity, outlining specific concerns like fire hazards or blocked exits while respecting your tenant’s autonomy. 

When entering a unit for inspections or addressing maintenance needs, follow local and state laws regarding tenant privacy. For example, in Ohio, landlords must typically provide written notice before entering a unit, even during emergencies. Legal violations, such as entering without proper notice, can quickly turn a difficult situation into a legal battle. 

Understand Reasonable Accommodations 

Tenants with hoarding disorder may qualify for protections under fair housing laws. Understanding what constitutes “reasonable accommodations” can help you strike a balance between enforcing lease agreements and supporting your tenant’s rights. For example, allowing additional time to address the issue or partnering with support services may be required in certain cases. 

Involve Professionals When Needed 

Complex hoarding situations often require a team effort. Professionals such as social workers, therapists, and hoarding cleaning service experts can provide resources and solutions that property managers alone cannot offer. Expert cleaners ensure that hazardous materials are handled properly, helping restore the space without putting anyone’s health or safety at risk. Learn more about our Property Cleanup Services and how they can help restore your units.

The Don’ts 

Navigating hoarding issues requires careful consideration of what not to do. Avoid these common mistakes to prevent unintended consequences: 

Don’t Ignore the Problem 

Hoarding doesn’t resolve itself, and ignoring it only increases risks. Blocked exits, unsanitary conditions, and structural damage can affect not just the tenant’s unit but the entire building. These issues can lead to tenant complaints, costly repairs, or even legal liability. 

Early intervention, paired with professional assistance, can prevent long-term damage. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to a hoarding cleaning service like ours to assess the situation and provide recommendations. Learn more about the importance of sanitation with our Sanitation and Disinfection Services. 

Don’t Violate Tenant Privacy or Rights 

Entering a tenant’s unit without proper authorization or tampering with their belongings, even with good intentions, can result in serious legal repercussions. Understanding and respecting tenant rights is not just ethical but a critical step in resolving the issue amicably. 

Don’t Attempt Cleanup Yourself 

While it might be tempting to handle the clutter yourself, DIY solutions can quickly become dangerous. Hoarded items often hide biohazards like mold, bacteria, and pest infestations, posing health risks. Without the proper training and equipment, attempting cleanup could result in exposure to harmful substances or even structural damage to the unit. 

Professional hoarder clean up teams like ours are trained to safely remove clutter, sanitize spaces, and restore units without risking further damage. Trusting experts like Faith Environmental Crime Scene Cleanup ensures compliance with safety regulations while protecting your investment. Wondering about the differences between cleaning, sanitation, and disinfection? Check out our blog, What Is the Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitation, and Disinfection?