Twisted Firestarter – Tenant Hoarding Newspapers
11:48 AM, 10th June 2014, 12 years ago
14
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I have a crazy tenant, who is a bit of a hoarder. She is a lovely old lady, pays her bills on-time and is really a dream tenant apart from her newspaper collection from 1984.
I would be grateful if you could let me know…… in the event of a fire, do I have a legal obligation or liability for her actions?
Am I a bad landlord for not making sure she keeps the clutter down?
Thanks
Ben
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Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12207 - Articles: 1403
7:29 AM, 13th June 2014, About 12 years ago
My favourite suggestion to date is the Fire Service, I wasn’t aware they had such a service. What we must always bear in mind is that most landlords are simply not trained to deal with issues such as this. Best left to the professionals I suppose. On reflection, perhaps I just got lucky that my hoarding tenant didn’t cause any serious problems.
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Member Since November 2013 - Comments: 25
12:10 PM, 13th June 2014, About 12 years ago
Just wanted to say thank you very for all the very helpful suggestions. We are sending her a “sensitive” letter to open dialogue on how best we can help her live happily and safely in the house, but if things don’t improve a little we may have to seek another tenant. I am also thinking of starting a social-worker based estate agent service. 🙂
Member Since November 2013 - Comments: 342 - Articles: 1
12:14 PM, 13th June 2014, About 12 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Ben George” at “13/06/2014 – 12:10“:
Glad the ideas here helped…..
did you see Channel4 programme last night ? Britain’s Benefit Tenants….. “Bev” is a social worker in all but name – to some extent we all are when we deal with life’s vulnerable folks……
Member Since April 2014 - Comments: 985 - Articles: 2
10:45 AM, 14th June 2014, About 12 years ago
Is it a fire risk – is it tightly packed? (see http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/web08.pdf) does it block a fire exit? Is it clean paper? Does it attract rodents etc? Is it effecting the property structure of decoration? Is it effecting the life style of anyone else? If it does not pose a threat to any of these then I would not be too concerned. We have to accept that some people are different and get much comfort in collecting things. Obviously if there is a risk associated with any of the above then this needs to be explained to the tenant and I would suggest you get help from her family to help address the issue. Not sure a posted letter will work – sit down with her, have a cup of tea, read the letter to her, explain, chat, offer help!