The Real Estate Investing Authority®

What Do You Do When a Tenant Dies in Your Property?

Landlords Run Into Interesting & Tough Situations Often. Property Management Professionals Can Help You Learn The Proper Responses.

 

If you own rental property long enough you will eventually come across one of the most difficult situations there is to deal with; the death of a tenant. Death is inevitable for all of us, but the question remains as to how you (and your property manager) must handle that situation.  Nexus Property Management's Vice President of Franchise Sales, Gregory J. Rice, explains the 3 steps you must follow live on "The Round Table Radio" with renowned Top Real Estate Agent Emilio DiSpirito

 

 

 

 

Body Discovered 

 

Whomever is the 1st person to find the deceased tenant is obligated to contact the local authorities immediately. They must also stay on scene until the authorities arrive to provide a detailed account of the timeline so the situation can be investigated properly. In a recent incident, Nexus experienced a call from the 1st floor tenant at property that stated water was coming from the 2nd floor tenant’s apartment. After responding, there was no answer at the door of the second floor tenant. Due to the emergency Nexus entered the apartment and found that the tenant fell out of the shower, hit their head on the toilet, and the water supply line to the toilet had burst. So, the authorities not only had to speak to our maintenance technician, but to the 1st floor tenant who had called in the water leak. It was ultimately found that the tenant suffered a health problem and the death was not criminal in nature.

 

Submit Insurance Claim 

 

Whenever a death occurs in the property it is suggested that an insurance claim is filed. Reason being, there is more than likely going to be bodily fluids/blood on site that must be cleaned up by a trained/licensed bio-hazard approved company. Any contaminated articles/fixtures must be removed and disposed of accordingly, and these companies specialize in doing just that. It is improper to have unlicensed workers take care of tasks in this arena as they can be exposed to extremely harmful agents/diseases. Proper training, clothing, and equipment are an absolute must for efficient disposal. Such debris gets packaged in thick plastic, put in a storage container, and ultimately, securely put in the ground as to never be exposed to human/animal life.

 

Prepare For New Tenant 

 

After the bio-hazard is eliminated you may send in your contractor to take care of the remaining turnover work. Such items typically include new painting, new flooring, and overall cleaning. In most cases, the insurance company will only cover the cost of repairing areas directly contaminated by the bodily fluids/blood. Any other, unrelated damages would have to be paid for by the property owner as normal. In the example cited above, the tenant had passed away in the bathroom, so the floor, toilet, and portions of the wall were disposed of, and replacement was paid for by the insurance company.

 

The big question on everyone's mind is: "Do I need to tell the future tenant about the death?" The truth is, as with everything in life, 1) people talk, and 2) the truth shall set you free! What will happen is not only will the other tenants in the building tell the incoming tenant, but you will also be setting up a rocky relationship from the beginning! It is best to be forthcoming and any prospective tenants that cannot handle this fact will move on. In the end, you will eventually not only find a tenant, but you will have started a straightforward, honest relationship with no secrets. This key to your success as a property owner!

 

Gregory Rice is the Vice President of franchise sales for Nexus Property Management®.  Nexus Property Management is a national property management franchise that works with investors to identify and purchase profitable properties and handle management after closing. Nexus manages all types of rental property from single family homes or condos to large communities. Check Nexus out on the web at www.Nexuspropertymanagement.com.

 

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