Topic: I am looking for Property Managers or leadership (Regional or VP) that have dealt with Hoarding situations at the property level

I am looking for Property Managers or leadership (Regional or VP) that have dealt with Hoarding situations at the property level - the challenges you have faced and have there been cases where you were able to work with the resident to get them help and they were able to stay in their home? I serve on the Operations Committee for NAA and this is a topic we would like to provide the membership with information and solutions in an upcoming educational opportunity or article. If you have detailed knowledge and experience, please PM me your contact information. Thanks so much.

In TX they are protected - what state are you in?

Protected how?

It’s considered a disability. Protected under ADA and fair housing nationally.

Under ADA as hoarding is considered a mental illness.

They might be considerd disabled and therefore protected but it doesn't mean that you can't address or manage the hoarding situation - it doesn't allow them to have free range hoarding rights.

I understand it’s a mental health issue. I am looking for different ways that Hoarding has been handled and solutions that have been applied.
Thanks.

I actually had a hoarding situation at a property I managed and while it was a trying situation the resident was very open and welcomed the intervention. We were able to get his family involved and they paid everything to get the unit up to par. The only thing we paid for only because he had been there for years was the flooring to be replaced. After it was all said and done he came in crying about how much happier he was. After that monthly inspections were done to make sure he didn't get out of hand and his family also made sure ro come in and check on him. They had no idea it was as bad as it was.

I have worked through them and there are usually services in each city that are experienced in this exact thing. They will help with the initial clean-up and weekly check-ins to help keep them on track. She said some insurance companies will help pay in certain situations.

We actually had the fire department help as it becomes a fire hazard - the “fire load” was what they called it. They stated that if a fire were to happen that it would spread so fast in that area it could be a danger to others.

I managed an independent senior housing property and had to deal with this a lot. As another commenter provided, we used our fire department. They would come inspect with us and explain the violations to the resident, schedule time for reinvention, etc. I was in CA at the time, and there were some local organizations that also partnered with the fire department and senior center to help residents clean and organize.

I think it's important to stay on top of preventative maintenance and unit inspections to catch some issues before they get larger, and nip it in the bud. It's a tough issue, especially with seniors, bit I'm glad to hear NAA is working on some resources to help the onsite teams!

I personally would contact some of the disability network contacts and mental health facilities because they would have first hand knowledge of successes. My experience has been very hit and miss.

We have worked with some local organizations who had volunteers that would come help. We have also reached out to family for the same. Worked with them on cleaners after and so on.