How to protect properties from tenants who may be hoarders

Property owners and managers can protect their properties from tenants who may be hoarders by following some best practices, according to Jinada Rochelle, assistant director of enforcement, at the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

Rochelle, who spoke during the PAR Diversity Committee meeting, addressed how to protect the tenant, as well as the property.

“Hoarding is considered a mental disability and property owners are not permitted to discriminate against a potential tenant based on a disability,” Rochelle said. “However, you can set some policies to ensure that you can address these issues.”

Some steps to consider:

• Establish a written reasonable accommodation policy. The policy is distributed to all new tenants and annual or upon renewal.
• Conduct annual property inspections. Clearly state what is expected and the outcomes of non-compliance.
• Use the same or similar check list for inspections that is used for new rentals.
• Send a copy of the report to the tenant and follow up with dates for re-inspections if necessary.
• Keep a listing of local agencies like the Area Office on Aging, Community Action Center or United Way. If you have concerns, ask if the tenant needs assistance and provide them with a listing that notes that you are not recommending any particular agency.
• Use a community newsletter to address hoarding and cleanliness.
• Follow the policies with every tenant, but be open to a reasonable accommodation request.
• Conduct reference checks with previous landlords. Ask questions like were there any issues with cleanliness? Would you consider renting to them again? How were they as a tenant? Was there excessive policy activity at the property?

“PAR’s Rental Forms may provide a good starting point for Realtors® to use when looking to outline questions to ask of tenants and former landlords,” said PAR’s Standard Forms Manager Desiree Brougher, Esq. “The forms give a good reference point for property owners or managers.”

When evaluating a property where the tenant may be hoarding, consider whether the following minimum safety standards are being met:

• Is there a working toilet and sink?
• Are there adequate and safe walking pathways in main rooms?
• No infestations of insects or rodents?
• No excessive accumulation of garbage?
• Is there access to all required means of exit to the home?
• Are there working electrical outlets?

Contact the PHRC for more information.