Behind closed doors: the reality of hoarding

3 minutes

As a property owner or building manager, you may one day face a situation involving excessive accumulation. Also known as hoarding disorder, this condition is often difficult to detect, but its consequences can be very real, both for the individual and for the building. Understanding this issue helps you prepare for it.

What is hoarding disorder?

Picture a living space filled with piles and piles of stuff.

In severe cases, it becomes difficult, even impossible, to move freely, cook meals, take a shower or even clean.

This goes way beyond people who collect hockey cards.

More specifically, someone suffering from hoarding disorder may:

  • Struggle to discard items, even if they are broken, dangerous, or unsanitary
  • Experience significant emotional distress
  • Live in isolation
  • Feel obsessive anxiety about losing their things
  • Have a strong emotional attachment to seemingly worthless objects
  • Face serious disruptions in their day-to-day life

Out of shame or fear of judgement, the person may keep their door closed—refusing visits from family, friends or even essential service workers like a plumber.

They might recognize the issue, but feel overwhelmed and powerless to fix it.

Hoarding disorder is classified under obsessive-compulsive and related disorders and is often associated with anxiety or emotional attachment to possessions.

What about Diogenes syndrome?

Hoarding disorder and Diogenes Syndrome are often confused, since both may involve clutter and accumulation. But they’re not the same.

Diogenes Syndrome is more severe. It is characterized by extreme self-neglect and neglect of the living space.

A person affected by Diogenes Syndrome typically refuses help and does not recognize their behaviour as problematic. They tend to isolate themselves.

Sometimes, but not always, they also accumulate objects in a chaotic, disorganized manner.

The syndrome can appear later in life and is sometimes associated with dementia, depression, or certain personality disorders.

What are the risks for your building?

Cluttered spaces increase the risk of fire. Items stored near heaters or overloaded outlets can easily ignite. Improper use of extension cords and electrical devices only adds to the danger. A minor electrical issue can quickly escalate if flammable materials are nearby.

Hoarding can also lead to water damage. Blocked access to plumbing and drains can delay repairs or hide leaks. In a basement, for example, stacked boxes might cover a slow leak or block a floor drain. Persistent moisture can lead to mould and costly structural damage.

It can also cause health issues. Poor air circulation, dampness and pest infestations can create unsanitary conditions. Bad odours can spread and surfaces may harbour mould and bacteria, posing a respiratory health risk—especially for children, seniors and vulnerable residents.

Lastly, there are legal liabilities. If fire or water damage spreads to a neighbouring unit, the tenant responsible for the damage may have to pay for the repairs. Negligence or failure to maintain the unit can also lead to lawsuits or denial of insurance coverage.

How to spot the signs

Hoarding disorder can be nearly invisible at first—there’s no clear outward marker.

But here are some red flags:

  • The tenant avoids contact or isolates themselves
  • They consistently refuse entry, even for basic maintenance
  • Persistent or unusual odours in common areas
  • Complaints from neighbours about noise, pests or cleanliness

These don’t always signal a serious issue, but they’re reason enough to stay attentive.

What you can't do:

  • Enter the unit without proper notice (unless in an emergency)
  • Impose arbitrary or invasive rules in the lease or condo bylaws
  • Control how a tenant stores their personal belongings, beyond safety and legal obligations

Respect and compassion above all

At its core, hoarding disorder is a mental health challenge—one that can, however, present very real risks to the health and safety of others. That’s why it’s crucial to approach these situations with empathy, while also implementing appropriate prevention and support measures.