{"id":14312,"date":"2020-11-11T16:24:53","date_gmt":"2020-11-12T00:24:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentecdirect.com\/blog\/?p=14312"},"modified":"2020-11-11T16:28:21","modified_gmt":"2020-11-12T00:28:21","slug":"what-landlords-and-tenants-need-to-know-about-hoarding-vs-clutter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentecdirect.com\/blog\/what-landlords-and-tenants-need-to-know-about-hoarding-vs-clutter\/","title":{"rendered":"What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know About Hoarding vs Clutter"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"What
\nLet\u2019s talk about clutter and hoarding. Although there are inherent hazards and concerns, the topic is often glossed over or not addressed.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are similarities between the sentimental collector, the packrat or clutter bug, and the messy and disorganized. However, hoarding can include any and all of these categories to an extreme.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From personal experience, getting the facts about hoarding<\/a> then working with renters, understanding and the right attitude goes a long way. <\/span>Read on for some insight and helpful tips when either helping a tenant or getting help if you struggle with clutter or hoarding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Clutter vs. Hoarding<\/span><\/h2>\n

Managing a mobile home park with renters and owner-occupied homes, I noticed on one of my first walkabouts a home with dozens of outdoor plants in disarray and various stages of care. Among those were an extreme amount of empty pots, lawn decor, and gardening tools and supplies. Someone would be hard-pressed to make their way through the maze.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not many days later I noticed a vehicle parked in front of the home nearly full of belongings and debris. The final clue was a walkabout to check that all holiday decor had been taken down and that window blinds and curtains met with community guidelines. Not only was that renter out of compliance on both, one curtain had slipped and I could see boxes and items stacked to the ceiling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, these three observations didn\u2019t necessarily mean the renter was struggling with hoarding, but they were good indications it was at least headed in that direction.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important when you first suspect hoarding not to jump to conclusions or make quick judgments; and we\u2019ll go into why that\u2019s important in a minute. For now, knowing some signs of hoarding like the examples above can help you decide on an action plan.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Signs of Hoarding<\/span><\/h2>\n

Many of these signs by themselves could be a cause for concern. However, when combined and in extreme conditions, you likely have someone struggling with hoarding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n