Hoarding and severe domestic squalor

Local government authorities and service providers have dealt with situations of hoarding and squalor for many years.

There is increasing recognition that this public health issue is having a severe impact on the individuals involved, their families and any children or dependents, including animals, in their home. It can also impact neighbours and the surrounding community and requires significant resources from local government and other service providers.

For this reason, some Australian states have developed recommendations regarding the most appropriate response to situations of hoarding and squalor in their jurisdiction.

This has driven the development of a WA toolkit to aid local government authorities in their response to situations of hoarding and squalor.

Hoarding and Severe Domestic Squalor: A Guideline for Western Australia (PDF 1.08MB)

Hoarding and Severe Domestic Squalor: A Toolkit for Local Government (PDF 812KB)

These documents have been developed through a consultative process with a range of agencies that have a regular involvement with issues of hoarding and squalor.

More information

Environmental Health Directorate
ehinfo@health.wa.gov.au