If you’re a rental property owner, you know there’s always something to manage. However, hoarding tenants can be a particularly difficult issue. Understanding the best practices for dealing with hoarding tenants can help create a clean, safe living space for everyone.
What should landlords do when they have hoarding tenants? This post will offer a few tips.
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5 Tips To Deal With Hoarding Tenants
1. Create A Rental Agreement With Hoarding Policies
When drafting your hoarding policies, it is essential to be clear and specific. Consider including guidelines for certain items and the amounts tenants can store. You should also outline the consequences for violating the policies, such as cleaning fees or eviction.
By communicating these policies clearly, you can prevent hoarding issues and establish policies. Remember, it’s better to be upfront about hoarding policies and have a plan for action.
2. Understand The Difference Between Hoarding and Being Messy
A messy tenant needs help keeping their living space clean and organized. They may leave dishes in the sink, clothes on the floor, and clutter on the counters.
Hoarding is more than messiness—it is a mental disorder. Hoarders may accumulate excessive belongings and experience anxiety about getting rid of anything. It can lead to unsafe living conditions, fire hazards, and health problems.
3. Establish Clear Communication And Offer Solutions
Start by expressing your desire to help. Ask hoarding tenants how they are doing and tell them you want to understand. Offer to work with them to create a plan for reducing clutter and improving their living conditions. Be sure to communicate any safety concerns and discuss potential solutions together.
4. Consider Professional Cleaning Services
Hoarding can create a significant mess. You may need special resources to resolve the issue. That’s where professional cleaning services can help. There are cleaning services that specialize in cleaning the homes of hoarders. They can work with you and your tenants to create a plan for the cleanup process. This help ensures everyone is on the same page.
5. Utilize the Eviction Process If Necessary
If everything works out, you’ll find a solution that works for everyone. While it’s essential to be compassionate and understanding, you also need to maintain a safe property. If all solutions fail, an eviction might be necessary.
Hoarding tenants can be tough to deal with. You want to be understanding, but you also need to protect your property and other tenants. Have patience, try to work out together, and if needed, go for eviction.
