Hoarders next door - advice please

maximoose94

Evening all.

Our next door neighbours are hoarders. Lovely couple - both in there 70s, 1 has severe medical issues so very rarely goes out. Other only really goes out for work. No issues with them since we moved in a number of years ago except at the start with regards to noise with some building work on our part. We never really see them to speak to but always pleasant and exchange Xmas/Bday cards.
House is a state. You physically can't see in any windows due to stuff and everything is falling apart. They do clearly want to try as garden has improved hugely over the years - (we've offered to pay for skips/clearance etc but think they're too proud to accept). We have never seen anyone go into or leave the house except them.

Now we have no issue with them except that during our current renovations we have lifted up floors and there is an absolutely God awful smell. No sign of rodents and the closer you get to the party wall, the stronger it is. I'm now strongly assuming that the smell is from their house and coming through the shared joists.

We don't want to 'complain' to the council, as we don't want to upset them, however they clearly need help. I am concerned that their house is now affecting ours, which isn't fair. We spoke to social care who refused to go round as they phoned them and said 'yes they're fine' despite my adamance that it's quite a serious health issue.

What do we do? 

TELLIT01

I would get a pest controller into your house on the basis that you think something may have died beneath your floor.  If they then say the smell is coming from the adjoining property you will have a basis to act.

pelirocco

I'm assuming you have a suspended  floor ?
When lifting ours the smell isn't particularly  fresh ,so guess its normal ?

maximoose94

pelirocco said:

I'm assuming you have a suspended  floor ?
When lifting ours the smell isn't particularly  fresh ,so guess its normal ?

Yes we do have a suspended floor. This isn't just a musty smell, OH was nearly sick when she smelt between them. It smells like decay. 

maximoose94

TELLIT01 said:

I would get a pest controller into your house on the basis that you think something may have died beneath your floor.  If they then say the smell is coming from the adjoining property you will have a basis to act.

Great suggestion - thank you! 

daveyjp

Call the Council anyway, or search the Council name and 'hoarders framework'.
Many now have them as hoarding is considered a safeguarding issue.

Rosa_Damascena

maximoose94 said:

pelirocco said:

I'm assuming you have a suspended  floor ?
When lifting ours the smell isn't particularly  fresh ,so guess its normal ?

Yes we do have a suspended floor. This isn't just a musty smell, OH was nearly sick when she smelt between them. It smells like decay. 

They probably don't have a clue that there is a problem. I bet they would be devastated to find out.

Bear in mind that if shifting their stuff is going to be necessary it will be traumatic for them, so please be gentle.