What to Do After an Unattended Death at Home

Discovering an unattended death is one of the most traumatic experiences anyone can face. Whether it’s a family member, friend, tenant, or neighbor, the shock of the moment can make it difficult to think clearly about what needs to happen next. At Sterile Pros, we’ve guided thousands of families through this devastating situation across California, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas. This guide walks you through the immediate steps, legal requirements, and practical considerations you’ll face in the hours and days following an unattended death.

Understanding what to do—and what not to do—protects your health, fulfills legal obligations, and begins the process of restoring safety to your property.

Step 1: Call 911 Immediately

Do not touch anything. Do not enter the area. Call emergency services right away.

Even if you’re certain the person has been deceased for some time, you must contact authorities immediately. This isn’t optional—it’s a legal requirement in every state. The police and coroner need to investigate the circumstances of the death, determine the cause, and rule out foul play.

When you call 911, provide clear information:

• Your exact location and address
• That you’ve discovered what appears to be an unattended death
• How long you believe the person has been deceased (if you can estimate)
• Whether you’ve touched anything or entered the area

The dispatcher will send police, emergency medical services, and potentially the coroner’s office. They’ll walk you through what to do while you wait for their arrival.

Do not move the body or disturb the scene. This is critical both for legal reasons and for your own safety. The area is a biohazard zone containing bloodborne pathogens, bacteria from decomposition, and potentially infectious diseases.

Step 2: Evacuate the Property and Keep Everyone Safe

Get everyone out of the building immediately—especially children and pets.

Decomposition creates serious health hazards that aren’t always visible. Even if you don’t see bodily fluids, the air itself can contain dangerous pathogens and toxic gases. The longer a body remains undiscovered, the more extensive the contamination becomes.

Do not allow anyone to:

• Enter the room where the death occurred
• Touch surfaces, furniture, or belongings in affected areas
• Stay in the building if strong odors are present
• Try to “just take a quick look”

Children should not be present when authorities arrive or during the initial investigation. The scene will be traumatic to witness and can cause lasting psychological harm. Arrange for them to stay with relatives or friends.

If you’ve already been exposed to the area before realizing what happened, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Change your clothes and place them in sealed plastic bags. Consider showering. If you have any cuts or open wounds that may have come into contact with contaminated surfaces, seek medical attention and inform healthcare providers about the exposure.

Step 3: Work With Law Enforcement and the Coroner

Cooperate fully with the investigation process.

When police arrive, they’ll secure the scene and begin their investigation. The coroner or medical examiner will determine the official cause of death. This process can take several hours. During this time:

Answer questions honestly. Provide any information about the deceased person’s medical history, medications, mental health, or circumstances that might be relevant. You’re not in trouble—authorities need this information to complete their investigation properly.

Do not clean or remove anything. The scene must remain untouched until law enforcement gives explicit clearance. Even well-meaning attempts to “tidy up” can interfere with the investigation or destroy important evidence.

Obtain the case number and clearance documentation. Before authorities leave, get the police report case number and written confirmation that the scene has been released for cleanup. You’ll need this information for insurance claims and to prove the property is legally clear for remediation.

Ask about personal property. In some cases, authorities may need to take certain items as evidence. Ask what’s being removed and when it might be returned. Get contact information for the detective or coroner handling the case.

Request victim services information. Many jurisdictions have victim assistance programs that can help with grief counseling, financial assistance, or navigating legal processes. Don’t hesitate to ask about available resources.

Step 4: Contact Sterile Pros for Professional Death Cleanup

Once authorities release the scene, call (844) BIO-CREW immediately. Do not wait. Do not attempt cleanup yourself.

Unattended death cleanup is not something you can or should handle on your own. This isn’t regular cleaning—it’s biohazard remediation that requires specialized training, equipment, and certification. Here’s why professional death cleanup is essential:

Health Hazards Are Severe

Decomposition creates bloodborne pathogens including hepatitis, HIV, and MRSA. Bodily fluids seep into flooring, subflooring, walls, and furniture. Bacteria multiply rapidly, and airborne pathogens spread through ventilation systems. Without proper protective equipment and EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants, you’re exposing yourself to serious diseases.

Structural Damage Is Often Extensive

What looks like surface contamination typically goes much deeper. Bodily fluids penetrate through carpet into padding and subflooring. They seep through grout and into concrete. They travel along baseboards and into wall cavities. Materials contaminated beyond cleaning must be properly removed and disposed of according to strict biohazard regulations.

Odors Require Professional Treatment

The smell of decomposition doesn’t just “air out.” Odor-causing bacteria and gases permeate porous materials, HVAC systems, and structural elements. Professional odor removal uses specialized equipment and techniques—not air fresheners and open windows.

Legal Compliance Matters

Biohazardous waste must be packaged, transported, and disposed of according to OSHA regulations, EPA guidelines, and state laws. Improper disposal can result in significant fines and legal liability. Sterile Pros handles all regulatory compliance so you don’t have to worry about violations.

When Our Team Arrives

Our certified technicians conduct a complete assessment, document the scene for insurance purposes, and create a comprehensive remediation plan. We remove contaminated materials, thoroughly clean and disinfect all affected areas, eliminate odors, and dispose of biohazardous waste properly. We work as quickly and discreetly as possible to restore your property to a safe, habitable condition.

Step 5: Document Everything for Insurance Claims

Most homeowners insurance policies cover unattended death cleanup. Proper documentation ensures your claim gets approved.

Before anyone begins cleanup, you need thorough documentation. If authorities allow it, take photos and videos from doorways—never enter contaminated areas without proper protection. Capture:

• The extent of visible contamination
• Affected rooms and adjacent spaces
• Damaged furniture, flooring, and structural elements
• Any signs that contamination has spread through ventilation or plumbing

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Tell them you’ve experienced an unattended death at your property and need biohazard remediation services. Get the name of your claims adjuster and a claim number.

Key information to provide your insurer:

• Police report case number
• Date of death and date of discovery
• Estimated time the body was unattended
• Extent of contamination
• Contact information for Sterile Pros

Sterile Pros works directly with insurance companies throughout the entire process. We provide detailed documentation, itemized estimates, and professional communication with adjusters. This makes claims processing smoother and faster during an already difficult time.

Keep receipts for everything: temporary housing if you can’t stay in the property, meals, cleaning supplies for unaffected areas, replacement belongings, and any other out-of-pocket expenses. Many policies cover additional living expenses during remediation.

Step 6: Arrange Temporary Housing if Needed

You cannot stay in a property with unattended death contamination. Period.

Depending on the extent of decomposition and contamination, professional cleanup can take anywhere from several hours to several days. You’ll need somewhere else to stay during this time. Options include:

• Hotels or short-term rentals (often covered by insurance)
• Staying with family or friends
• Corporate housing if extended remediation is needed

Don’t underestimate how long professional cleanup takes when decomposition is advanced. Severe cases require removal of flooring, subflooring, drywall, insulation, and sometimes even structural repairs. It’s better to plan for a few extra days than to try returning too soon.

Protect your mental health during this time. Many people don’t want to return to the property even after it’s been professionally cleaned. This is completely normal. Give yourself permission to take all the time you need. Some families decide to sell the property rather than live with the memories. There’s no “right” way to handle this—do what’s best for your wellbeing.

Step 7: Notify Relevant Parties

Several people and organizations need to be informed about the death.

This administrative work feels overwhelming when you’re grieving, but it’s necessary. Create a checklist and tackle it step by step:

Family and close friends: Notify loved ones personally before they hear through other channels. Consider designating someone to help spread the word so you’re not making dozens of difficult phone calls.

Landlord or property management: If the death occurred in a rental property, notify the landlord immediately. They need to know for insurance purposes and to make arrangements for remediation. As a tenant, you’re not responsible for biohazard cleanup costs—the landlord’s insurance typically covers this.

Homeowners association: If the property is in an HOA community, notify them according to your governing documents. They may need to inform neighbors about activity at the property or make arrangements for access.

Utility companies: Depending on circumstances, you may need to shut off utilities temporarily or make payment arrangements during the cleanup period.

Employer (if you’re missing work): Many employers offer bereavement leave or emergency personal time. Document your situation and keep your HR department informed.

Financial institutions and creditors: The deceased person’s bank accounts, credit cards, and debts need to be addressed. Contact institutions to report the death and ask about estate procedures.

Social Security Administration: Deaths must be reported to Social Security, especially if the deceased was receiving benefits. This is typically handled by the funeral home, but verify to avoid overpayment issues.

Post office: File a change of address or request mail hold to prevent identity theft and ensure important documents reach the appropriate person.

Step 8: Secure the Property

Prevent unauthorized access and protect remaining belongings.

Once authorities release the scene and before cleanup begins, secure the property:

• Change locks if necessary (especially in rental situations)
• Board up windows if the death attracted attention or media coverage
• Install additional security if the property will be vacant during extended remediation
• Remove valuables from uncontaminated areas to prevent theft
• Notify neighbors you trust about the situation so they can keep an eye on the property

If media has contacted you about the death, you have no obligation to speak with reporters. A simple “I have no comment” is sufficient. If press attention is significant, consider having calls screened or changing your phone number temporarily.

Step 9: Begin the Emotional Recovery Process

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as the physical cleanup.

Discovering an unattended death—especially of someone you knew—creates lasting trauma. Many people develop PTSD, anxiety, depression, or grief complications. This isn’t weakness. It’s a normal response to an abnormal situation.

Seek professional support immediately. Don’t wait to “see how you feel.” Talking to a therapist who specializes in trauma and grief gives you tools to process what happened before symptoms become severe.

Resources that can help:

• Grief counselors and therapists
• Support groups for traumatic loss
• Crisis hotlines (available 24/7)
• Religious or spiritual advisors
• Employee assistance programs through your work
• Victim services programs through law enforcement

Warning signs you need immediate help:

• Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks about discovering the body
• Inability to sleep or eating disturbances
• Severe anxiety or panic attacks
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Substance use to cope with emotions
• Inability to function in daily life after the first few days

You don’t have to go through this alone. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Step 10: Handle the Deceased’s Affairs

Estate and legal matters need attention, but they don’t have to happen immediately.

Give yourself time to breathe before tackling complex legal processes. That said, certain things require prompt attention:

Immediate priorities:

• Secure death certificates (you’ll need multiple certified copies)
• Locate will and estate planning documents
• Contact an estate attorney if the estate is complex
• Freeze credit reports to prevent identity theft
• Cancel subscriptions and services to avoid ongoing charges

Can wait a few weeks:

• Probate proceedings
• Distributing assets
• Selling property or vehicles
• Closing accounts
• Filing final tax returns

If you’re the executor or next of kin, you don’t have to figure everything out alone. Estate attorneys specialize in guiding families through this process. Many offer initial consultations to explain your responsibilities and timeline.

For rental properties: If you’re a landlord dealing with a tenant’s unattended death, consult with an attorney about your legal obligations, lease termination, and disposal of belongings. State laws vary significantly on how you must handle the deceased tenant’s property.

Common Questions About Unattended Death Cleanup

How long does professional death cleanup take?

It depends on how long the body was undiscovered. Recent deaths with minimal decomposition might take 4-8 hours. Advanced decomposition cases requiring structural removal can take 2-5 days or longer. Sterile Pros provides realistic timelines during our initial assessment.

What gets thrown away?

Anything porous that cannot be fully decontaminated must be disposed of as biohazardous waste. This typically includes carpeting, padding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, clothing, bedding, drywall, and sometimes subflooring or structural wood. Non-porous items like glass, metal, and sealed wood furniture can usually be decontaminated and saved.

Can I keep any belongings from the room?

Yes, in many cases. Our team can set aside items for decontamination or for you to review. Photographs, jewelry, important documents, and hard-surfaced items often can be cleaned and returned to you. We work with families to preserve meaningful items whenever possible.

Will my home ever feel normal again?

Professional remediation completely removes biohazards and odors. The physical space will be clean and safe. The emotional recovery takes longer and varies for everyone. Some families find peace after cleanup. Others decide to sell. Both responses are valid.

Do I have to tell future buyers or renters?

Disclosure laws vary by state. In many jurisdictions, you must disclose deaths that occurred on the property within a certain timeframe (often 1-3 years). Consult with a real estate attorney about your specific obligations. Failure to disclose when required can lead to legal liability.

What if I’m a landlord—am I responsible for cleanup costs?

Generally, your landlord insurance policy covers unattended death cleanup, not the tenant or their estate. Document everything carefully and work with your insurance company. You may need to coordinate with the tenant’s family about personal belongings, but the biohazard remediation is your responsibility as property owner.

Is professional cleanup really necessary?

Yes. This isn’t negotiable. Unattended death scenes contain bloodborne pathogens, bacteria, viruses, and decomposition byproducts that create serious health risks. You legally cannot hire a regular cleaning service—they’re not certified or equipped for biohazard remediation. Attempting DIY cleanup puts you at risk of disease transmission and exposes you to potential legal liability if contamination remains.

The Reality of Decomposition

Understanding what happens during decomposition helps explain why professional cleanup is absolutely essential.

Early Stage (24-72 hours): Bacteria begin breaking down tissues. Bodily fluids may leak from orifices. Skin discoloration occurs. Odors begin developing. At this stage, contamination is usually limited to the immediate area.

Active Decay (3-5 days): Decomposition accelerates. Significant fluid release occurs. Tissues liquefy. Insect activity begins. Odors intensify dramatically. Contamination spreads to surrounding materials and may penetrate flooring.

Advanced Decay (5+ days): Extensive fluid loss creates dark staining. Tissue breakdown is severe. Maggot activity is extensive. Gases cause swelling. Odors permeate structures and HVAC systems. Contamination often extends through floors to lower levels and into wall cavities.

Severe Cases (weeks or months): Complete liquefaction occurs. Contamination is massive and structural. Flooring, subflooring, drywall, insulation, and framing may require removal. Odors penetrate everything. These scenes require extensive remediation and often structural repairs.

The longer a death goes unattended, the more extensive—and expensive—the cleanup becomes. This isn’t anyone’s fault. It’s simply the reality of decomposition biology. Our team has seen it all, and we handle every case with the same level of professionalism and discretion, regardless of severity.

Why Sterile Pros for Unattended Death Cleanup

When you’re facing one of life’s most difficult moments, you need professionals who combine technical expertise with genuine compassion. Sterile Pros brings both.

We’re certified biohazard remediation specialists, not just cleaners with good intentions. Our technicians complete extensive training in bloodborne pathogens, OSHA regulations, proper protective equipment use, and EPA-approved decontamination protocols. We maintain all necessary licenses and insurance coverage.

We work 24/7 because trauma doesn’t wait for business hours. Call (844) BIO-CREW any time, day or night, and you’ll speak with a live, local technician who can dispatch a crew immediately.

We handle insurance claims directly, communicating with adjusters and providing all necessary documentation. You’re going through enough—we take care of the paperwork.

We work discreetly and efficiently. Our unmarked vehicles and plain-clothed technicians protect your privacy. We coordinate arrival times with your preferences and work as quickly as possible to minimize disruption.

We treat every scene with respect and dignity. We understand this isn’t just a job site—it’s where someone’s life ended, and that person mattered. We approach every unattended death cleanup with the care and reverence it deserves.

We restore more than property—we restore peace of mind. Our goal isn’t just decontamination. It’s giving you back a safe space where healing can begin.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Discovering an unattended death changes everything in an instant. The person you found deserves dignity in death. You deserve support through this trauma. Your property deserves proper restoration by professionals who know exactly what they’re doing.

Sterile Pros has helped thousands of families across California, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas navigate this devastating experience. We’ve cleaned scenes ranging from peaceful natural deaths to months-long decomposition. We’ve worked with everyone from homeowners and landlords to property managers and facilities directors.

No matter how overwhelming this feels right now, we promise: this gets better. The immediate crisis will pass. Your property will be safe again. Life will slowly return to some version of normal. And we’ll be here to help you through every step of the process.

Call (844) BIO-CREW immediately if you’ve discovered an unattended death. A compassionate, experienced technician will answer and guide you through what happens next. We’re here 24/7, ready to help when you need us most.

You’re not alone in this. Let us handle the scene so you can focus on healing.