By Bobbie Hough, Housing Management Network Associate

The more I listen to frontline teams in housing, the more I worry that hoarding – and the inability of multiple agencies to grasp the scale of the risk it poses to tenants and the wider community – could be the catalyst for the sector’s next tragedy.

HQN members report that hoarding is an issue on the rise in the UK.

It is also misunderstood, often categorised as a housing problem by those not used to dealing with cases.  It is not.

Often dismissed as a lifestyle choice, hoarding is more accurately a complex, deep rooted problem, frequently tied to mental health challenges.

With councils grappling with underfunded social care services and an increased demand for mental health support, it is perhaps no surprise landlords are reporting cases on the rise.

Hoarding and mental health

The rise in hoarding cases coincides with alarming trends in mental health demand.

In 2021, the NHS reported a 25% increase in referrals to mental health services compared to pre-pandemic levels, with over 4.5 million people seeking support annually.

At the same time, social care budgets have faced severe cuts, leaving vulnerable individuals without access to the support they need.

For those living in poverty, the cost-of-living crisis has added another layer of complexity.

Hoarding is often an external manifestation of internal struggles, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Yet, the lack of specialised training and understanding within partner organisations – and housing providers themselves – leads to an oversimplification of the issue, meaning cases are pushed around from agency to agency, delaying (or preventing) meaningful interventions.

Financial implications

The financial implications of hoarding are also substantial.

Clearing a hoarded property can cost upwards of £2,800, not accounting for additional repairs to address issues such as damp, mould, or structural damage.

A study in the North East of England found that housing providers estimated each hoarding case cost around £15,000 per year, with more complex cases involving evictions or legal fees costing up to £35,000. Hoarding behaviours were also estimated to cost the Fire and Rescue Service around £107,000 per year.

Efforts to address hoarding are often hindered by the cyclical nature of the problem. Clearing a property may provide temporary relief but rarely addresses the underlying causes, with members saying they are often forced into repeated interventions.

Risk and interventions

But of course, the costs go beyond the finances.

In some cases, landlords face difficulties accessing homes, leading to missed maintenance checks.

For housing staff, entering such properties can pose safety risks, further complicating intervention efforts.

Homes go unchecked, adding to the risk of health problems, damage to the property, health and safety hazards… and of course, fire.

Enforcement

Historically, landlords have seen enforcement in hoarding cases as a last resort, balancing action with the need for empathy and respect for someone’s autonomy.

A case shared by one landlord highlighted that they have been dealing with one case since 2011, but have struggled to resolve the situation, despite numerous attempts.

But the mood is shifting.

Landlords are telling us they are increasingly concerned that they have too many tenants living in unsafe homes for too long, and that they are turning to litigation much sooner.

Landlords also tell us that litigation also becomes the catalyst for social care intervention and people getting the help they need.

It’s a mind-blowingly frustrating system, but if it avoids a more tragic outcome further down the line, then landlords might be right to be pragmatic.

Collaborative solution

As effective solution require collaboration between housing providers, social services, and mental health teams.

Initiatives that focus on referrals and tailored support are critical, as is ongoing education to challenge the perception of hoarding as merely a housing issue.

Proactive measures, such as automatic flagging systems and predefined timelines for legal interventions, can help prevent cases from reaching crisis levels.

Addressing the issue requires a cultural shift toward recognising and tackling the root causes. Education, partnership working, and proactive interventions are essential to prevent avoidable tragedies.

It should not take a high-profile incident to underscore the urgency of addressing hoarding. The time to act is now – not after another tragedy unfolds.