What Happens When a Resident Dies in a Rental Unit? What Property Owners Need to Know
It’s one of the most difficult situations a property owner may face: a resident dies in their rental unit. Whether due to natural causes or otherwise, the aftermath involves more than emotional shock—it often means serious logistical and financial responsibility, too. If you’ve never dealt with this scenario, here’s what you need to know.
1. Immediate Steps: Who Handles What
When a resident is discovered deceased in the unit, the first call is to emergency services. Once cleared by law enforcement or the medical examiner, next steps may include contacting next of kin and arranging for belongings to be removed. At this point, the property manager will guide the process, often acting as a liaison between the family and the owner.
2. Biohazard Remediation: When It’s More Than a Cleanup
If the death was unattended (i.e., the body was undiscovered for a period of time), professional biohazard remediation is usually required. This goes far beyond standard cleaning—bodily fluids, odor, and contamination can seep into flooring, subfloor, drywall, and HVAC systems.
Certified biohazard cleanup teams are legally required for these jobs—and they don’t come cheap. Depending on the extent of damage, cleanup and restoration can run several thousand dollars or more.
And yes—this cost typically falls to the property owner. Most homeowners’ or landlord insurance policies may cover some or all of these expenses, but it’s essential to check your coverage details.
3. What Happens to the Lease?
If the deceased resident was the sole leaseholder, the lease is typically terminated as of the date of death. However, if there were other occupants or co-signers, there may be legal nuances to work through. In California, the estate may be responsible for the lease for a period of time unless otherwise negotiated.
At FBS, we help navigate this with compassion and compliance—ensuring families are treated respectfully and lease terms are handled lawfully.
4. Disclosure Obligations for Future Renters
California Civil Code Section 1710.2 requires that a death on the property within the past three years be disclosed to potential tenants. That includes natural death, accidents, and yes—even violent crime. However, they will not disclose any details surrounding the death. The goal is transparency, not sensationalism.
5. Why You Need a Property Manager for Situations Like This
From coordinating cleanup and managing communication with next of kin, to ensuring proper documentation and handling future disclosures—this is not something most owners are equipped to handle alone.
At FBS, we’ve supported property owners through these tough moments with the professionalism and empathy that both families and investments deserve. Our goal is to protect your property, your legal standing, and your peace of mind—no matter what arises.
Final Thought:
Owning rental property comes with many rewards—but also a few deeply human realities. Death in a unit is one of them. Having an experienced property management team like FBS ensures you’re not left facing it alone.
