Hoarding conditions occur when a person has an excessive collecting habit and inability to discard objects. In some instances hoarding disorders can result in squalor and unsanitary living conditions.
Hoarding behaviour can be the result of mental health issues 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 and also on neighbouring residents.
Dealing with Hoarding and Squalor
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 4645 4000.
Help Available
If you are concerned about your own behaviour, or about someone else, the Macarthur Disability Services can offer guidelines and resources. Macarthur Hoarding Disorder Resource Network (MHDRN) is a peer led support group with people who have lived or experienced Hoarding Disorder and/or Severe Domestic Squalor. Download the Macarthur Disability Services Information Booklet(2MB, PDF) or contact 4621 8400.