So a hoarder tenant moves into your unit...

[Justin R.]

... And, has their movers literally pile boxes to eye level over every square inch of the 600sqft unit, save for a 12" path from bedroom to bathroom to kitchen.  Fish tanks, boxes of stuff, things they bought and intend to resale, and lots of ... stuff ... that has no practical use in a 1 bedroom apartment.

You did your standard screening and everything checked out.  Retired couple, fixed income, references check out, involved in the community, nothing negative on credit report.  You discussed decor with them and their vision for how they'd decorate and helped them measure the rooms so they could pre-plan their furniture.

And, still, boxes and boxes and boxes of stuff.  I had one unit where such a situation caused all sorts of problems - cockroaches because they couldn't clean adequately, mold on walls because couldn't circulate, leaking I-don't-know-what from a box  that damaged the floors.  Not going through that again.

How would you approach this? How long would you let them "settle in" before laying down the hammer?  There's a "safe living space / no vermin / tidy / no clutter in the yard" clause, but nothing that specifically says "Thou shalt not hoard."

Unlikely someone with this behavior will change, but how do you give them a fair chance while protecting your options as a landlord to protect the unit?

[Jason Boulay]

How long have they been in the unit?  If they have had some time to settle in and it is in the condition that you're describing definitely begin to address it. Start by calling them and letting them know you are concerned for their health and safety based on the condition.  As a result, you will be doing an inspection of the unit.  I would try to keep the tone friendly at the onset.  Send something in writing so you can reference it later, if needed. 

After doing the inspection if it still in a similar state, send them a letter describing somewhat specifically as to what you're looking for them to do.  For example, reduce the number of boxes and clutter in the living room and bedroom, etc. rather than using something more general like reduce the fire risk.  Also offer that you can provide some referrals for assistance upon request.  You can look up a couple storage facilitates in the area and also some professional organizers that may be of assistance to compete the process.  Schedule the follow up a couple weeks later in the letter.

If no attempt was made, you can give them another attempt or send a notice of noncompliance.