Major garbage....hoarders?

[Karen S.]

I have tenants that I think are hoarders. When they are driving and see garbage sitting outside for collection in front of someone else's house, they bring it back. I have told them before they need to keep better housekeeping because they have stuff everywhere. My main concern is their garage because it is packed front to back and top to bottom. You can barely even walk into it. Can I do anything to get them to clean that up?

[Account Closed]

Did you inherit these tenants? Have they been there long term?

Your tenants are entitled to "quiet enjoyment" of the property. So you can't ask them to clean, empty or organize the house or garage unless they are in violation of the lease or it poses a health or fire hazard. Are they in violation of the lease or "house rules"? Does the house or garage pose a fire hazard? Can they get out in a fire? Are there pests? Is it just the garage, and not the house?

I don't believe discussing your concerns will have any impact. I've dealt with a lot of hoarder houses and hoarders. Hoarding is an emotional/mental issue that can't be addressed by rationality. If they are true hoarders, and if it were me, I'd terminate their tenancy right now. If they are year to year, I'd probably finish it out with lots of advance notice. If it's month to month, I'd give them their 30 or 60 day notice (60 days for tenants in place more than a year in CA). Unfortunately, many hoarders have to be evicted, even if they are good payors. Hoarders can't and don't move as they......can't and won't get rid of anything, and usually can't find any place to go. IMO, it needs to be dealt with asap.