Unattended deaths in rental properties are tragic events that require sensitive handling. Beyond the emotional impact, these situations pose serious health risks due to biohazards such as blood, bodily fluids, and other contaminants. Understanding who is responsible for cleanup and how to handle the situation safely is critical for landlords, relatives, and roommates.
Who is Responsible for Cleanup?
In most cases, the property owner or landlord is responsible for ensuring the property is safely cleaned and restored for future tenants. However, the costs may sometimes fall to the tenant’s estate or family, depending on lease agreements and local regulations. Cleanup of biohazardous materials is not a DIY task—it should be left to professionals trained in trauma and biohazard remediation to ensure safety and compliance with state and federal regulations.
For Landlords
If you are a landlord faced with an unattended death in a rental unit:
- Act quickly and professionally. Contact the authorities immediately. In many cases, a coroner seal may be placed on the door until next of kin have been notified. Under certain circumstances—such as when body fluids are seeping to another floor or other tenants are at risk—you may be able to obtain legal permission to authorize biohazard cleanup before next of kin are notified.
- Document the situation. Take photos and maintain records for insurance purposes. Bio SoCal provides before-and-after photos of the cleanup to ensure proper documentation for insurance claims and legal records.
- Communicate clearly with relatives. Approach the family with sensitivity and compassion while explaining the necessary steps for property restoration.
- Ensure safety. Do not attempt to clean blood or other biohazards yourself. Exposure can pose serious health risks and create liability issues.
At Bio SoCal, we specialize in trauma scene and unattended death cleanups, providing safe, thorough, and discreet services for property owners.
For Relatives of a Deceased Tenant
If a loved one passes away in a rental property:
- Understand responsibility: Cleanup costs and coordination fall to the tenant(s) listed on the lease and, if applicable, their estate. If there is an additional person on the lease and they are living, then the responsibility of the cleanup may fall to them. Responsibility does not extend to relatives or other family members (unless they are on the lease). If the estate of the deceased is not enough to cover the damages done, the responsibility lies with the property owner. While the family can certainly make sure the property is cleaned up, they are not obligated to do so.
- Coordinate with the landlord: Work with them to understand the cleanup process and any associated costs that are the responsibility of the estate.
- Support mental health: Witnessing or handling the aftermath of an unattended death is emotionally difficult. Seek support from friends, family, or professional counselors.
Bio SoCal ensures that relatives are kept informed and treated with compassion throughout the cleanup process, while making clear that the cleanup responsibility rests with the tenant on the lease or their estate.
For Roommates
Roommates of the deceased face unique challenges, both emotional and practical:
- Avoid handling the cleanup yourself. Biohazards such as bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials are dangerous without proper equipment and training.
- Cooperate with authorities and landlords. Follow instructions for removing personal belongings safely, if applicable.
- Seek support. The trauma of losing a roommate unexpectedly can be overwhelming; professional counseling may help.
Professional cleanup companies like Bio SoCal can safely restore the living environment, minimizing disruption while protecting everyone involved.
Why Professional Cleanup Matters
Unattended death cleanups require specialized knowledge, proper procedures, and strict compliance with health regulations. Licensed biohazard companies safely remove contaminants, thoroughly disinfect affected areas, and restore environments to safe, sanitary conditions. Attempting DIY cleanup can create serious health risks, legal liabilities, and incomplete sanitation.
Protect Health and Property with Biohazard Experts
Whether you are a landlord, a relative, or a roommate, dealing with an unattended death is emotionally challenging and legally complex. Partnering with a licensed biohazard cleanup service like Bio SoCal ensures that the property is sanitized safely, health risks are minimized, and all parties are treated with respect and discretion.
If you are facing an unattended death in a rental property, call Bio SoCal today for professional, compassionate, and fully compliant cleanup services.
