Housing Management - Hoarding and Self-Neglect Policy

Overview

Kensington and Chelsea Council is committed to ensuring that our homes are places where people want to live and feel safe. In January 2025, we had 186 ongoing cases of hoarding, highlighting the need for a clear and structured approach to addressing this issue.

We have reviewed and amended our policy, including liaising with Hoarders UK for their feedback.

The draft policy sets out how we will provide residents with safe homes while offering the necessary support to help them manage and sustain their tenancies.

People who are hoarding put themselves, their neighbours, the community, and the safety of their homes at serious risk. The Council will work to identify and resolve such cases to safeguard residents and the Council’s housing portfolio.

The risks to residents posed by hoarding include, but are not limited to:

• Adult Safeguarding (vulnerabilities, additional support needs – either for immediate tenant or other household members)
• Higher risk of fire due to higher quantities of flammable materials within the property
• Neighbourhood nuisance
• Health implications (i.e. Damp and mould)
• Higher risk of pest infestations

Why your views matter

Your feedback will help us understand your views on the proposed Hoarding and Self-Neglect Policy and take them into account before adopting the policy.

If you require assistance in another language, or a paper copy of the survey sent to you, please email housingconsult@rbkc.gov.uk or call 0800 137 111.