Hoarding is the accumulation of items that appear to be of little use or value such as rubbish bags, items of sentimental value, newspapers, furniture or anything that prevents the customer from safely using the space in their homes.
People who hoard often have strong attachments to items which may be difficult for others to understand. They are often resistant to the idea of clearing their belongings, which can be traumatic for them.
Hoarding often occurs inside the home, but also affects other shared living or outdoor spaces, such as hallways, stairwells and gardens.
Hoarding can have a profound effect on the person who is hoarding and on their neighbours, community, and property. It can lead to an increased risk of vermin and pest infestations, and can cause homes to be unsafe to live in.
As a responsible landlord, we must balance the needs of the individual with the needs of the community. If we receive a report of hoarding, we’ll work with the customer to support them to remove the items that cause concern.
If the level of risk is high or the effect on the local community is unacceptable, we’ll intervene alongside our partners at Social Services, Environmental Health, and South Wales Fire & Rescue Service to support the resident to clear the property.
- Getting in and out and moving around the property can become unsafe.
- Increased fire risk for the individual and their neighbours, as hoarded items could act as fuel (more information in the section below).
- Portable heaters and extension cables may be in use, which can also increase the risk of fire.
- Hoarding is associated with self-neglect.
- Can cause damage to the property.
- Could lead to pest or vermin infestations.
- Rooms aren’t used for their intended purpose, preventing the customer from living safely and hygienically.
- Access for repairs and gas safety checks may be refused or compromised.
Our Community Housing Team will attempt to carry out a hoarding assessment of the property after receiving a hoarding report. What we do next depends on the level of hoarding and whether the customer needs support to address it.
If the customer engages with the process, we’ll support them to find a solution and agree a timescale around clearing items.
If the customer requests help to change their behaviour, a referral will be made to our Housing Intervention Team, who will work with the customer to arrange any specialist support required to address the cause of the hoarding. The team may make a safeguarding referral to Social Services if the resident is a vulnerable adult who would benefit from community support.
Some people do not want to address their hoarding, and even if they acknowledge they have a problem, they find it extremely difficult to change their behaviour. We’ll try to work through these issues with the customer and arrange support to find a solution that works for them and the community.
Hoarding cases can be complex so progress can be slow, but if the hoarding poses an immediate or high risk to the customer and/or neighbours, we’ll work with our partners to help the customer to take action. If immediate action is needed and it is legally possible, we will take action to remove the hoarded items.
Some people who have hoarded are likely to hoard again, so we will continue to monitor the property even if the hoarding appears to have been addressed.
Hoarding is a complex issue that can create significant fire risks in homes. Keep yourself and others safe by following risk reduction advice and accessing support for those with hoarding tendencies.
The risks
- Hoarding can block exits to the home, making a fast escape difficult.
- Additional items may fall when a fire breaks out, causing further blockages.
- Excessive clutter provides fuel for a fire to grow rapidly.
- Smoke alarms can become obstructed or less effective due to an accumulation of debris and clutter.
- It often takes longer to rescue those trapped with hoarded items as cluttered properties are challenging for firefighters to navigate and extinguish.
Reducing the risks associated with hoarding
- Keep hallways, doorways, and windows clear of clutter to ensure easy evacuation and access for emergency services.
- Regularly test and maintain smoke alarms by cleaning them of any dust or debris. Ensure they are not obstructed by hoarded items.
- Limit the number of flammable items such as paper, fabrics, and chemicals in your home. Things like newspapers can rapidly ignite and spread fire.
- Store hazardous items such as cleaning supplies, chemicals, and flammable liquids in secure containers away from heat sources.
- Avoid overloading power sockets and use appropriate extension cords to prevent electrical fires.
- Check extension leads and appliances are in good condition.
- Unplug electrical devices when not in use.
- Create and practice a fire safety plan with everyone who lives in the property.
- Agree on a safe meeting point outside the building.