Hoarding has been around in many forms since the beginning of time. Most recently, reality TV has shed light & attention on the problem while many landlords have stories they will readily share about that “one tenant.” In that vein, the New York Times recently featured an interesting article entitled “Helping Those Who Hoard” that focused on apartment buildings in New York City and how property managers are dealing with this important issue. Specifically, they cite the phenomenon as a mental illness which has to be carefully addressed – which is why the NY Times reports that many building managers are turning to professionals for help.
“…Getting access to someone’s home is always an issue, Mr. Keany said. Over the years, there have been more than 100 residents who regularly refuse to let his staff conduct the co-op’s annual fan coil unit inspection…”
“The American Psychiatric Association estimates that 2 to 5 percent of the population could be classified as compulsive hoarders, people who suffer from a disorder that impedes their ability to discard things, regardless of value.”
Click here to read the full story at the New York Times.
