UK fire services have recorded a 78% increase in fires linked to hoarding since 2020, according to a Guardian investigation. As fire brigades flag thousands of homes as high-risk, housing providers are shifting away from traditional eviction-led clearances toward empathy-based interventions. Experts warn that forced removals often trigger trauma, leading to rapid regression in hoarding behaviors.
The Rising Fire Risk and Housing Crisis
The scale of the issue is becoming increasingly visible through emergency services data. In London alone, fire services flagged more than 2,000 properties due to the level of hoarding inside last year, a rise from 1,200 four years prior. These figures reflect a broader national trend where “dangerous and excessive storage” is now a primary concern for fire safety professionals.
For residents, the fear of losing their homes often outweighs the danger of living in hazardous conditions. Sian Cowley, 35, reports living without basic utilities like hot water or heating for two years because the threat of eviction prevents her from allowing contractors into her home for repairs. This cycle of fear keeps many individuals trapped in unsafe environments, effectively isolating them from the very support systems designed to help.
Did you know?
Hoarding was formally classified as a mental health condition by the World Health Organization in 2018. Despite this, many affected individuals report that stigma remains a significant barrier to accessing professional care.
Why Forced Clearances Often Fail
Housing associations are beginning to question the efficacy of traditional enforcement. Jenny Devon, a sustainment and cohesion manager at Prima Group, notes that the common practice of using skips to clear a property without resident cooperation often ignores the deep-seated trauma tied to the items. “It’s that trinket linked to the trauma, or to the parent who’s died,” Devon says, emphasizing that forced removal is often perceived as a violation.
Data from the Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services (Iriss) supports this view, indicating that almost 100% of individuals who undergo a property clearance without accompanying behavioral therapy will regress to hoarding behaviors more rapidly. Jo Cooke, director of Hoarding Disorders UK, adds that in the nearly 15 years she has worked supporting hoarders, she has never known an enforced eviction or clearance to help the person.
Shifting Toward Peer Support and Empathy
Innovative approaches are focusing on long-term resident sustainment. The Prima Group has launched a national hoarding pledge, encouraging housing providers to prioritize collaborative support over court-ordered evictions. This model utilizes peer support groups, such as the “Bringing Hoarders Together” sessions in Wirral, to provide a judgment-free space for residents to discuss their experiences.
Ruth Cookson, 53, a resident who helped establish the Wirral support group, credits the change in her own living situation to having a housing officer she could trust. After years of ignoring safety notices due to the fear of eviction, Cookson began working at her own pace. “I wouldn’t admit I had a problem, I buried my head in the sand,” she says. Her experience highlights that when professionals move away from punitive measures, residents are more likely to engage with safety requirements.
Pro Tip:
If you are struggling with hoarding, seek out local peer support networks rather than waiting for a crisis. Organizations like Hoarding Disorders UK provide resources that emphasize mental health support rather than just physical clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people who hoard fear seeking help?
Many individuals fear that admitting to a hoarding disorder will lead to immediate eviction or the loss of their tenancy, especially if their home is flagged for safety violations or fire risks.
Is forced cleaning an effective treatment for hoarding?
According to the Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services, forced clearance without accompanying behavioral therapy is almost always ineffective, as individuals typically regress to hoarding behaviors shortly after the property is cleared.
What is the “hoarding pledge” for housing providers?
The pledge, launched by Prima Group, is an initiative where housing providers commit to working with residents to provide support and mental health resources instead of defaulting to expensive and often traumatic legal battles or forced evictions.
Are you or someone you know struggling with the challenges of hoarding? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on housing and mental health initiatives.
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