Neglected and hoarded properties

Filthy and verminous

Some people find it difficult to look after themselves and their property which may become neglected, untidy or dirty. This may not be serious enough for the Private Sector Housing and Environmental Health team to become involved - although other agencies such as Social Services or others may be able to offer support.

In some cases the situation may deteriorate to a level where there are personal hygiene issues, smells, accumulations of waste, possibly infestations of rats, mice, flies and there is a real risk to the health of the occupier and others such as neighbours. If you are aware of someone who is living like this who may require our assistance, please contact us.

Derelict buildings

Where properties are abandoned or left unsecured to vandals or squatters, the council has the right to board up or secure any building that is considered a danger to public health. In most cases we would inform the property owner by serving a notice but in extreme cases we would act immediately. We have the authority to do this under section 29 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.

Overgrown or untidy gardens

It should be noted that the council cannot use these powers to deal with properties that are merely unsightly, untidy or in a bad state of repair.

Premises that are unsightly and deemed to be detrimental to the amenity of the neighbourhood can be dealt with Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

These types of complaints are dealt with by Planning Enforcement.

If your concern relates to pests, please visit our Pests page and report the issue to us.

Hoarding

Hoarding is where a person acquires an excessive number of items and stores them in a chaotic manner, usually resulting in unmanageable amounts of clutter. It can have a significant impact on a person's wellbeing and in the most extreme examples can be a form of self-neglect. It is recognised as a mental health disorder.

For more information on self neglect and to make a referral, please visit Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership.

For more information on hoarding, please visit Hoarding disorder - NHS.