"Living in New York City requires a constant negotiation between what we owe our neighbors and what our neighbors owe us. In an ideal world, you and your neighbor would have a mutual understanding about why it's good for everyone to keep a clean building, but if she is indeed hoarding then it's hard to imagine she's able to give you what she can't even give herself. This is a pickle."
"Housing in the city is a fragile commodity, so it's understandable why you'd want to be cautious about reporting her. I am sensing from your question that your goal is not to get your neighbor kicked out of her apartment but to get her place in order enough that it's not causing problems for you (or her, really). Have you talked to her at all?"
Living in New York City requires balancing neighbor responsibilities and communal well‑being. A neighbor's hoarding can create pest risks like mice that affect the whole floor. The priority should be resolving the hazard while avoiding actions that could displace an occupant. Begin by assessing whether the neighbor has been approached and aim for a relationship-building, low-pressure conversation. Social workers advise against immediate confrontational offers to clear possessions and recommend casual outreach to earn trust. Small, empathetic steps can enable access or cooperation. Only consider escalated reporting or landlord involvement if personal outreach fails and health or safety risks persist.
Read at Curbed
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