Discovering that someone has died alone — and that the death may have gone unnoticed for some time — is one of the most distressing situations a family member, neighbour, or landlord can face. The shock of the discovery is compounded by the immediate practical questions: who do you call? What do you touch? What happens next? This guide is designed to answer those questions clearly and calmly, so that you know exactly what to do in the immediate aftermath of an unattended death.
Step 1: Call 999 (or 101 if You Believe the Death Was Not Recent)
If you discover someone who may have died recently and there is any possibility they are still alive, call 999 immediately. If it is clear that the person has been deceased for some time, call 101 (the non-emergency police line) or speak to a GP. The police will attend and, if necessary, involve the coroner. Do not attempt to move the body or disturb the scene — this is both a legal requirement and important for the coroner's investigation.
Step 2: Do Not Clean the Scene Yourself
This is critical. After an unattended death — particularly one involving decomposition — the scene is a biohazard. Decomposition fluids contain bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that pose a serious health risk. These fluids can penetrate porous surfaces including floorboards, carpets, mattresses, and plaster. Attempting to clean the scene with household products will not decontaminate it — it will spread contamination and put you at serious risk. You must use a specialist biohazard cleaning company with CPD-accredited training, full PPE, and hospital-grade disinfectants.
Step 3: Contact a Specialist Biohazard Cleaning Company
Once the police and coroner have completed their work and the body has been removed, you can contact a specialist cleaning company. A reputable company will respond 24/7, arrive in unmarked vehicles for discretion, and provide a full decontamination service including decomposition fluid removal, odour neutralisation with industrial ozone treatment, structural cleaning, and a decontamination certificate on completion. They will also liaise with housing associations, insurers, and property managers on your behalf.
What Does Decomposition Cleaning Actually Involve?
Decomposition cleaning is one of the most technically demanding jobs in the specialist cleaning industry. The process begins with a full assessment of the scene to identify all affected surfaces and materials. The team then removes and disposes of all biohazardous materials — including mattresses, soft furnishings, and any items that cannot be decontaminated — as clinical waste. All affected surfaces are treated with hospital-grade disinfectants and biocides. Structural materials that have been penetrated by decomposition fluids may need to be removed and replaced. Finally, industrial ozone generators are used to eliminate the distinctive odour associated with decomposition at a molecular level. The process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days depending on the extent of the contamination.
For Landlords: Your Legal Obligations
If an unattended death occurs in a rental property, the landlord has a legal obligation to ensure the property is properly decontaminated before it is re-let. Attempting to re-let a property that has not been professionally decontaminated after a death — particularly one involving decomposition — could expose you to significant legal and financial liability. A decontamination certificate from a specialist cleaning company provides documented evidence that the property has been properly cleaned and is safe to re-occupy.
For Families: Taking Care of Yourselves
The aftermath of an unattended death is not just a practical challenge — it is an emotional one. Many families feel guilt, shock, and grief simultaneously. Please remember that you do not have to handle the practical aspects alone. A good specialist cleaning company will take care of everything, allowing you to focus on your own wellbeing and the wellbeing of your family. Many companies, including 2 of a Kind, can also signpost you to bereavement support services.
If you are dealing with an unattended death in Yorkshire or Lancashire, 2 of a Kind Cleaning Company is available 24/7. We respond quickly, work discreetly, and handle every aspect of the decontamination so you don't have to. Call us on 07483 268365 or get in touch via our contact page.
