From the “Ask Real Estate” Section of the New York Times:
My Neighbor May Be a Hoarder. How Do We Get in There and Find Out?
Respecting your neighbor’s privacy is a friendly instinct. But you might have to get aggressive to ensure everyone else’s well-being.
Q: I am on the board of a small co-op in Manhattan. One of our residents is very private and possibly a hoarder. He refuses to allow anyone to enter his apartment, even the super. The managing agent has tried contacting this resident by phone and by letter so he can investigate a foul smell that is likely coming from the apartment, but the resident does not respond. The resident’s family member who has helped us in the past has been unreachable. How do we respect this person’s privacy while also making sure that his apartment isn’t disturbing others?
