Minimum Acceptable Standards for Hoarding Residences: A Guide for Professionals

By The Hoarding ConnectionJanuary 1, 2025

Hoarding situations can present significant challenges to both individuals and the communities in which they live. In response to frequent inquiries from housing coordinators, property managers, and other professionals seeking guidance, the Hoarding Connection of Cuyahoga County has developed a set of Minimum Acceptable Standards. These guidelines are intended to help professionals assess whether a hoarded living space meets basic safety and livability criteria, enabling individuals to remain in their homes while mitigating risks.

Developed with input from the Orange County (California) Hoarding Task Force and informed by local expertise, these standards focus on functional safety and address critical areas of concern in hoarded homes.

Key Areas of Assessment

The Minimum Acceptable Standards define baseline conditions for emergency access, kitchen and bathroom functionality, sleeping arrangements, and fire safety.

1. Emergency Access

  • A clear, unobstructed pathway (at least three feet wide) must exist to allow first responders to safely remove individuals in case of an emergency.
  • Pathways should provide access to all rooms, including exits and sleeping areas.

2. Kitchen Functionality

The kitchen must be operational for basic food preparation and storage. This includes:

  • Stove or Cooking Method:
    • Free of combustible materials both in and around the appliance.
    • If the stove is not in use, it should be disconnected—either unplugged (electric) or shut off at the gas valve (gas).
  • Sink: Accessible and in working order for cleaning and food preparation.
  • Refrigerator: Functional and capable of safely storing perishable food.

3. Bathroom Functionality

The bathroom must provide essential hygiene facilities:

  • Toilet: Fully operational and sanitary.
  • Sink: Functional for handwashing and hygiene needs.
  • Tub or Shower: Usable, though this may be less critical for elderly individuals who sponge bathe adequately. For those with mobility impairments, the tub’s use may be optional if it is safer not to use it.

4. Sleeping Area

A designated sleeping space is critical to maintaining health and well-being. This includes:

  • A functional and accessible sleeping area free of obstructions.
  • Goods and possessions should not impede the use of the space for sleeping.

5. Fire Safety

  • Smoke Detectors: Functional smoke detectors must be present in all living spaces.
  • Furnace and Hot Water Tank: In applicable situations, a three-foot clearance must be maintained around the furnace and hot water tank to reduce fire hazards.

Practical Considerations

While these standards address critical safety and functionality, professionals are encouraged to approach assessments with empathy and understanding. Many individuals who hoard may feel defensive or overwhelmed, and fostering trust is essential for long-term progress.

  • Collaborative Approach: Work with individuals to identify manageable steps toward meeting these standards, involving them in decision-making to maintain dignity and reduce resistance.
  • Focus on Priorities: Address the most critical safety and functionality issues first, gradually working toward broader improvements.
  • Resource Connections: Engage local resources, such as mental health services, professional organizers, or volunteer programs, to provide additional support.

Supporting Long-Term Change

These minimum standards represent a starting point for ensuring safety and habitability in hoarded spaces. While meeting these criteria is crucial, addressing the underlying causes of hoarding behaviors through professional evaluation and treatment is key to sustainable change.

Professionals working with hoarding cases are encouraged to combine these standards with ongoing support, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, harm-reduction strategies, and collaboration among multidisciplinary teams.

The Minimum Acceptable Standards for Hoarding were developed in 2014 by the Benjamin Rose and the Hoarding Connection of Cuyahoga County. They continue to serve as a practical framework for professionals addressing hoarding situations.