Tenant of almost one year keeps a really junked up front year and front porch.

I gave my tenants a 30 day notice of "Change of Terms of Tenancy". That after 30 days, if they keep on junking up the exterior with things given to them for free or stuff accumulated from dumpster diving, I would have a hauling company remove those items and bill the tenants for the removal.

One note, I told the tenants they can store stuff in the garage so long as it's not a health or fire hazard. The tenant then asked where should they park their car? I responded, "You saved a 17 year old broken dryer because the motor may be good. You could have tested the motor, removed the motor and sold the rest for scrap metal. But instead you put it in the back yard like it's gold. Well do you value a used motor more than your new Challenger"?

You are right to be concerned the inside of the house is like that, too.

They do not want you to see it.

However, if you have not done an inspection since they moved in, it is overdue.

Post a 24 hour (or whatever is required in MD) notice to enter, then do it. They do not need to be home, but they may re-arrange their schedule to be there if they want to.

Inspect all plumbing, light fixtures, window glass, smoke detectors, etc, etc - and housekeeping as well. Then immediately give them the proper notice to cure all lease violations.

If there is still time ("almost a year") you can give notice of non-renewal if needed.

If their lease rolls over to monthly, that is good - because you can give notice of non-renewal in the next couple months as needed.

Of course, if this is not addressed in the current lease, add it! Then enforce it as above.

2 rules to remember:

1) The Landlord is in charge.

2) The Tenant is not.

If you suspect you will be in their home while they are away, make certain to take someone along with you.

Give the 30 days or whatever non renewal is allowed if you are not a fan of them. No reason needed. You will have piece of mind. In all fairness, I do have tenants who want to be there and I try to accommodate as they are all decent people.

The others have provided good step by step process.

I have dealt with hoarders/junkies before. If it were me I would push to get her out - clean up the mess - take it out of the SD and move on to the next renter. Trust me hoarders/junkies WILL NOT change.

I do not think you will be successful in getting the tenants to clean up the mess. She may be the exception

Note - Had a guy put a transmission under the front hedges. I told him to get rid of it. He moves it to the back yard and thought that was ok. I ended up evicting him.

Uh oh. That's hoarder stalling. (I have two extended family members like this - I know.) They have an emotional attachment, and will do anything to avoid dealing with this. Act within the limits of your lease and the laws of your state.

Are they cleaning up the outside of the house?