Hoarding conditions occur when a person has an excessive collecting habit and inability to discard objects or living animals, resulting in extreme clutter in or around a premises.
In some instances hoarding disorders can result in squalor and unsanitary living conditions. It also presents additional risks in the form of pest infestations and fire safety hazards.
Hoarding is a complex mental health issue and often takes a lengthy timeframe to resolve the issue.
Properties subject to hoarding and squalor conditions can have significant impacts on people living in the affected home, their families and also on neighbouring residents.
What action can Council take?
Legislation permits Council to take action on properties that are unhealthy or unsightly.
- Council Officers are only able to assist with external areas of a property and cannot assist where hoarding and squalor are contained within a residential dwelling.
- Hoarding and squalor cases often take time to rectify and can be ongoing over a period of time.
- Council's Environmental Health Officers often work with families and care providers to rectify premises where hoarding occurs and support the resident.
To report a hoarding and squalor premises, please contact our Customer Service Section on 02 4645 4000.
Getting help
If you are concerned about your own behaviour, or about someone else, the Macarthur Disability Services can offer guidelines and resources.