Landlord Guide to Hoarded Properties

Discovering that a tenant is hoarding puts landlords in a difficult position, balancing the safety of the property and other residents with compassion and legal obligations. This guide outlines a sensible, lawful approach.

Understand the situation

Hoarding is a recognised mental health condition and may be treated as a disability under the Equality Act 2010. That means tenants can be entitled to reasonable adjustments and support, rather than immediate enforcement action.

Balancing safety and welfare

Your priorities are likely to include fire safety, structural condition, pest control and the welfare of the tenant and neighbours.

• Document concerns carefully and professionally
• Engage the tenant with empathy, not threats
• Involve local authority adult social care or environmental health where appropriate
• Consider mediation and a phased plan before legal steps

Practical clearance and cleaning

Where a property needs clearing — whether at the end of a tenancy or with the tenant's cooperation — a discreet, professional service protects everyone's interests and restores the property to a lettable standard.

How we support landlords

We work regularly with landlords and letting agents across County Durham, providing sensitive clearances and full sanitisation. See our service for estate agents & landlords, or call 0800 494 7220.

This guide is provided for general information by Durham Hoarding, hoarding cleanup specialists serving County Durham. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.