Does anyone have any insight on the liability of a property when a resident attempts suicide?

ugh... TAA is closed - Does anyone have any insight on the liability of a property when a resident attempts suicide? We had a suicide once, single guy, so we sent in a pro clean up crew... this time however, not a single, so the apartment isn't "Given up"... Do we still have to send in the clean up crew, or is this the resident's responsibility? I want to have it done before the lady moves back in, but the owners want to know. Thanks in advance.

I had this happen and I took care of the clean up and billed the family. They gladly paid since they didn’t want to live in or see that mess. Sorry you are going through that.

I would clean it as a customer service to the family. They are going through enough.

it’s just SO expensive... like, budget breaking. It’s possible the deceased’s insurance (renters?) would cover. Not sure.

Sarah Trefz Watson renter’s should cover! I’ve also billed a family. If they have life insurance that will cover the costs.

Sarah Trefz Watson Most life insurance companies don’t pay out when its a suicide

which is so sad, really.

Lori Guerrero Typically there’s a two year contestability period. If the policy has been in place longer than two years then they have to pay out, even for suicide

Chris Dembitz I didn’t know that. A friend couldn’t collect on her husband but after reading your response, he must not have had the policy very long. They had only been married for a little over a year and he got it after they were married.

Because its biohazard you must properly the apartment. You can then try to get reimbursed from the resident.

We’ve had renters insurance cover the clean up cost. It’s definitely pricey but we saw 7k back from the insurance company.

ouch, nothing worse that a spill in the isles. tenant has to pay, claim against the decease first and second resident second. lawyers know how to do this claim. if they have renters insurance, then ask your insurance company to file the claim against the policy.

A proper hazmat bio clean can be as much as 20k. You should see if they had renters insurance.

Because their might be biohazards you will need a professional to clean the apartment

Yup biohazard cleanup then bill the resident afterwards.

If for some reason the renters insurance denied because of a “suicide” they possibly will cover if there is an “explosion”. I know that sounds rough but I own a Crime Scene cleanup company in West Texas. We have insurance claims that often denied but using the policy terminology and wording correctly it is almost always covered.
As a former multi-site manager I would just tell the family that you will have it cleaned up and work out the details later.

We’ve seen this more than once. We handle contracting for the cleanup and bill the resident/estate afterwards. Next of kin have always been grateful that they didn’t have to deal with that aspect/see it.

Also, in cases where there was resident property affected (in one case we had, it was the couch where it took place), the clean up company can wrap and hold it at their location, and the next of kin can sign off to have it destroyed if they wish.
It’s really all a matter of protecting the family from the additional trauma of seeing the aftermath. There’s always the chance that you won’t be able to collect afterwards, but it’s the right thing to do.

Regardless, single or not, I would do the professional crew or better yet, offer to TOS her to a different unit.

If, is very scary when facing possible clean up bills that the renter probably can afford to pay. It's important to make sure every tenant has their coverage and names your company as an insured interest to make the claim as easy as possible