What to Do After an Unattended Death at Home
If you have found someone who died at home and was not discovered right away, call 911 first. Police and the county medical examiner or coroner decide whether the death needs investigation, and nothing in the room should be moved until they release the scene.
After release, the practical side is cleanup. Most residential biohazard jobs cost $1,500 to $5,000 (HomeGuide, a third-party estimate), homeowner's insurance often covers it, and a trained crew handles the work so family members do not have to.
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What to do in the first 5 minutes
- Call 911 and follow the dispatcher's instructions.
- Leave the room as it is and close the door; do not open windows or run fans that move air through the house.
- Ask the officer or medical examiner investigator when the scene will be released and who to call for the death certificate.
- Call your homeowner's or renter's insurer and note the claim number.
- Schedule a professional biohazard crew for the time of release.
Do not do this
- Do not clean fluids or soiled materials yourself; bloodborne pathogens are why OSHA requires trained, protected workers for this work.
- Do not use household cleaners or air fresheners to cover odor; they do not remove contamination and can spread it.
- Keep children and pets out of the area until the home is cleared.
What's likely going on
Odor that has spread through the home
Odor moves with air and into porous materials. Crews remove what absorbed it and treat the air; fresheners only mask it.
Fluids that reached flooring or subfloor
Carpet, pad and sometimes subfloor are cut out and disposed of as regulated waste, then the framing is cleaned and sealed.
Heat or a long delay before discovery
Warm weather and time increase how far contamination travels, which raises scope and cost.
What it typically costs
HomeGuide's third-party estimate is $25 to $150 or more per hour, or $1,500 to $5,000 for most jobs; odor treatment is about $100 per hour (HomeGuide). Insurance usually pays first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for cleanup after an unattended death?
The property owner, usually through homeowner's insurance. For rentals, the landlord's policy typically covers the unit and the family handles personal property.
How soon can cleanup start?
Only after police or the medical examiner release the scene. A crew can be scheduled in advance for that moment.
Can we keep personal belongings?
Yes. Items that were not contaminated are set aside; crews can photograph and clean salvageable items where possible.
The service that handles this
Guidance only — independent local providers assess and price their own work. Last reviewed: October 16, 2026.
Sources for the cost figures
- HomeGuide: Biohazard cleanup cost (third-party estimate) (third-party estimate)
- OSHA: Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030
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